Thailand-China Submarine Deal Discussions to Resume

[webfact]

File photo courtesy or FM91bkk

 

Dependent on discussions scheduled for next Wednesday, Thailand and China may finally reach a consensus on issues surrounding a submarine purchase agreement.

 

A 13-member Chinese delegation, including military officials and representatives from the S26T Yuan-class submarine manufacturers, will deliberate with Thai officials on the matter. The submarine was part of a procurement deal made by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and China in 2017. 

 

Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, has said the talks will focus on two potential scenarios. One could involve Thailand cancelling the submarine deal, instead opting for a frigate and a compensation agreement.

 

The other could see China offering a substitute for the German-made submarine engine initially agreed to, accompanied by a favorable compensation package. 

 

Although Klungsang reassures that the final choice will prioritize Thailand's interests, he admits uncertainty over whether the upcoming meeting will yield a conclusive decision. The need to maintain good relations with China will potentially influence the decision-making process. 

 

Germany's refusal to sell its engine to China had initially complicated the deal. China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), the submarine's manufacturer, therefore proposed installing Chinese engines instead. Despite initial resistance, the RTN accepted the change, indicating a desire to move forward with the procurement. 

 

Klungsang's adviser, General Somsak Roongsita, will represent him in the discussions, which also involve representatives from the Ministry of Commerce.

 

They seek to incorporate the Thai government’s offset policy, which mandates reciprocal trade benefits, into the submarine deal. If the Chinese-made engine gets approved for the first submarine, it could open the door for the RTN to procure two more submarines from China. 

 

In 2017, the RTN signed the first 36 billion baht (US$ 973.5 million) deal for one submarine, as part of a broader plan to purchase three new submarines from China.

 

While the initial delivery was expected last year, securing the necessary funding for the remaining two submarines has been an obstacle.

 

-- 2024-05-09

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[dinsdale]

Well done. Got the image correct this time as compared to the last time which was this......

[Presnock]

I once saw a suggestion for the use of these submarines - as the seas flood into BKK, did tunnels under the city and use the subs as "bus" transport to different parts of the city.  can't think of any other use for the Thai Navy ships especially ones that go under water.  Just my opinion as Thailand will never be in any conflict where the military would have to use these to fight.  Maybe they need some more tourist tour attractions - even in the US they use some submarines for tourists - but usually free so that won;t happen here.

[ezzra]

Thailand needs more Subs like another hole in the head...Millions of Thais going without proper health care and Thailand

buying submarines, talking about priorities or appeasing big brother China?..

[2baht]

Dive, dive! Periscope up!

 

 

Edited May 9 by 2baht

[JoePai]

The need to maintain good relations with China will potentially influence the POOR decision-making process. 

[retarius]

Time to buy a wooden stake and drive it through the heart of this insane 'deal',

[Lucky Bones]

China sends a 13 person delegation. Hah, we have Square Head. He will fix the submarine so it is fit to go to the moon.

 

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, Presnock said:

I once saw a suggestion for the use of these submarines - as the seas flood into BKK, did tunnels under the city and use the subs as "bus" transport to different parts of the city.  can't think of any other use for the Thai Navy ships especially ones that go under water.  Just my opinion as Thailand will never be in any conflict where the military would have to use these to fight.  Maybe they need some more tourist tour attractions - even in the US they use some submarines for tourists - but usually free so that won;t happen here.

 

Can't they tie it up next to the aircraft carrier with no aircraft that can't leave port?

 

They can use it to store the helium they don't have for the blimps that don't fly.

 

Any unused space can be used to store the weapons for the F35 that the US won't deliver.

[newbee2022]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo courtesy or FM91bkk

 

Dependent on discussions scheduled for next Wednesday, Thailand and China may finally reach a consensus on issues surrounding a submarine purchase agreement.

 

A 13-member Chinese delegation, including military officials and representatives from the S26T Yuan-class submarine manufacturers, will deliberate with Thai officials on the matter. The submarine was part of a procurement deal made by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and China in 2017. 

 

Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, has said the talks will focus on two potential scenarios. One could involve Thailand cancelling the submarine deal, instead opting for a frigate and a compensation agreement.

 

The other could see China offering a substitute for the German-made submarine engine initially agreed to, accompanied by a favorable compensation package. 

 

Although Klungsang reassures that the final choice will prioritize Thailand's interests, he admits uncertainty over whether the upcoming meeting will yield a conclusive decision. The need to maintain good relations with China will potentially influence the decision-making process. 

 

Germany's refusal to sell its engine to China had initially complicated the deal. China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), the submarine's manufacturer, therefore proposed installing Chinese engines instead. Despite initial resistance, the RTN accepted the change, indicating a desire to move forward with the procurement. 

 

Klungsang's adviser, General Somsak Roongsita, will represent him in the discussions, which also involve representatives from the Ministry of Commerce.

 

They seek to incorporate the Thai government’s offset policy, which mandates reciprocal trade benefits, into the submarine deal. If the Chinese-made engine gets approved for the first submarine, it could open the door for the RTN to procure two more submarines from China. 

 

In 2017, the RTN signed the first 36 billion baht (US$ 973.5 million) deal for one submarine, as part of a broader plan to purchase three new submarines from China.

 

While the initial delivery was expected last year, securing the necessary funding for the remaining two submarines has been an obstacle.

 

-- 2024-05-09

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Skip the 10.000 Baht game and buy an original German sub🙏

[shackleton]

What the Royal Thai navy wants they get to many people involved to stop

 the purchase 🤑💰 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, has said the talks will focus on two potential scenarios. One could involve Thailand cancelling the submarine deal, instead opting for a frigate and a compensation agreement.

 

The other could see China offering a substitute for the German-made submarine engine initially agreed to, accompanied by a favorable compensation package. 

Or Chinas third option:

You get what we give you.... and be grateful.

[stix40]

Lol 

No muff to tough!

We dive at 5 

😂