Defend the skies against whom? Burma? Malaysia? China? If China decided to invade, there is nothing Thailand could do, to defend itself anyway. It would be up to the US, and the regional powers, at that point. So, why the expense? Buy a few inexpensive, barely used fighter jets from another country.

 

This is just about boys with gargantuan egos, and the status of a high ranking officer, and huge budgets that the people have allowed them, wanting something new and shiny, that they can talk about over 20,000 baht champagne dinners, at Michelin starred restaurants in Bangkok.

3 hours ago, connda said:

The Russians would probably be happy to sell the RTAF export grade Sukhoi fighters.  Once the US sees the interest then perhaps their F35s will become available.  After all, even in the weapons industry its all about market dynamics.  Make a product unavailable and something else will fill the vacuum. 

The Russian aircraft don't seem to be doing that well over the Ukraine, which is where I would expect their best equipment to be sent to.