Thai cabinet to decide on Chinese-built submarine purchase

[webfact]

The Thai cabinet is set to make a final verdict regarding the purchase of a Chinese-built submarine, stated Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang. The decision comes after the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) approved the use of a Chinese engine for the submarine and recommended extending the contract. Sutin is expected to discuss the matter further with Navy Chief Adm Adung Phan-iam upon his return from abroad today.

 

The submarine project encountered a major hurdle when Germany declined to provide a diesel engine for the vessel, citing a law that prevents the use of German-made engines in foreign-made weaponry. Consequently, China suggested a locally-made engine as a solution; however, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) refused this offer.

 

To resolve the standstill, the RTN proposed to purchase a frigate from China. However, this plan was postponed due to an additional expense of 1 billion baht linked to the vessel, reported Bangkok Post.

Sutin revealed that the cabinet’s decision would hinge on three crucial elements: the operational necessities of the navy, safeguarding national interests, and preventing any negative impact on diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

 

Following the OAG’s review, the navy sought the views of various governmental bodies, including the Council of State, the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Budget Bureau, the Volunteer Defence Corps, the State Audit Office, and the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Naval News

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16

 

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[Geoffggi]

5 minutes ago, webfact said:

preventing any negative impact on diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

This is the real reason and why Thailand cannot back out ..........

[mikebell]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Thai cabinet is set to make a final verdict regarding the purchase of a Chinese-built submarine,

I thought all the kickbacks had all been distributed and spent.  There's surely no more for the cabinet to discuss?

[bamnutsak]

This tub has been officially named HTMS Money Pit.

 

There is no money in the 2024 budget for this folly, so I'm not certain what the "cabinet" can do?

 

 

[WHansen]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

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That's random....

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

and preventing any negative impact on diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

And there is the real reason this debacle is still going on

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The decision comes after the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) approved the use of a Chinese engine for the submarine and recommended extending the contract

No way Thailand was going to tell China to go take a run and jump.. 

[brianthainess]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The Thai cabinet

Made from unelected military personnel, I can just imagine how that meeting will go.

"do you really need that big toy to play with?"

"not really but we all like the big kick backs"

"Yes we do"

"So it's approved" 🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

 

 

[Burma Bill]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

discuss the matter further with Navy Chief Adm Adung Phan-iam upon his return from abroad today.

 

 

 

Been visiting China by any means??

[TheFishman1]

Yes, somebody else mentioned I think all the kickbacks have already been paid and distributed and probably already spent or invested so worst scenario is the Chinese who gave the kickbacks. I’m getting any money back it’s kinda like a type thing you know you give ties money don’t expect to get it back, TIT 

[Thingamabob]

7 hours ago, mikebell said:

I thought all the kickbacks had all been distributed and spent.  There's surely no more for the cabinet to discuss?

I thought the same. Evidently not...

[Mavideol]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

the operational necessities of the navy, safeguarding national interests, and preventing any negative impact on diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

meaning we will kiss China's "axxxxx"  and will accept the Chinese engine that will break down as soon the sub hits the water, forget the other points as safeguarding national interest are not a concern as for the navy operational necessities, humhumm they are important as Thailand could be invaded at any time (by the Chinese as they want full control of the SCS)  555