Picture coutresy of Thairath

 

In a significant development for the Royal Thai Navy, the Cabinet has approved the use of Chinese-manufactured engines for its new submarine project. This decision marks a pivotal shift from the original plan, which included German-made engines. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, commander of the Royal Thai Navy, announced that the submarine is expected to be completed within the next three years.

 

The decision to opt for Chinese engines follows an amendment to the original procurement plan. With both Thailand and China poised to draft a new contractual agreement, this move underscores Thailand's continuing collaboration with China on defence projects. The Thai attorney-general needs to give the nod of approval before the deal is finalised, setting a timeline of approximately 1,200 days for completion—which aligns with the three-year deadline.

 

Admiral Jirapol expressed concerns about crew readiness, noting that the project has faced delays of nearly three years, disrupting the allocation of personnel. Many individuals initially designated for the submarine have since received promotions or been reassigned, necessitating a fresh approach to staff training and allocation to ensure operational readiness.

 

In addition to the submarine project, the Cabinet has given the go-ahead for acquiring two new frigates, although the current budget covers only one. This highlights the Thai Navy's commitment to expanding its fleet capabilities despite financial constraints.

 

Additionally, Admiral Jirapol addressed the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to Thailand's strategic positioning in Southeast Asia. He stressed the importance of observing Cambodia's evolving relations with the United States, noting that international alliances can shift swiftly as countries reevaluate their interests.

 

Admiral Jirapol also responded to reports about potential US use of the Phangnga naval base. He reassured that Thailand remains open to visits from all friendly nations without any preconditions, reinforcing strong ties with the US. While the Phangnga base is relatively small, there are plans to enhance naval capabilities in the Andaman Sea, which could involve exploring various support sources.

 

As Thailand bolsters its naval strength, these developments reflect the nation's strategic positioning in the region. The ongoing collaborations and potential future agreements underscore a nuanced balance of defence ties amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-14

 

Yeah, will be about 10 years soon, right?

 

Stroll on! The sun will have gone through its red giant phase and firmly be a white dwarf pensioner by the time that chunk of S is with-engine and pops all its rivets! lol

 

Gawd 'elp us if Thailand gets its hands on a submarine of the type shown in the headline photo.......it's an Akula class nuclear attack submarine (Russian).

 

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the submarine is expected to be completed within the next three years.

 

.....or else.

Ready for next conflict with Cambodia or Lao or maybe Vietnam!

Just what they need for protecting the border with Cambodia!

Some people are very high places here are making a lot of money off this deal the brown envelopes were already exchanged that’s why they decided to go with cheap no good Chinese motor it should’ve backed out of the deal when the Chinese could not deliver the German motor which is more superior But I guess when Money change his hands they have to go along with it TIT 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a significant development for the Royal Thai Navy, the Cabinet has approved the use of Chinese-manufactured engines for its new submarine project. This decision marks a pivotal shift from the original plan, which included German-made engines. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, commander of the Royal Thai Navy, announced that the submarine is expected to be completed within the next three years.

Fiasco from day one...

Sad no-one in the military had the sphericals to cancel the order.

But then again... money was already distributed and non-returnable

 

9 minutes ago, IsaanGuy said:

Just what they need for protecting the border with Cambodia!

Do some research. There is a Overlapping Claims Area (OCA)  in the Gulf Of Thailand between Thailand and Cambodia.

So the war with Cambodia is delayed for 3 years?🤣

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Admiral Jirapol expressed concerns about crew readiness

I'm more concerned about uniform readiness:

I mean have you designed new shoulder insignias at all? You can't just use "Wings" like everyone has, even condo security!

How about a "Snorkel", or "Flippers", "Air Bubbles", "Arm Floaties" would look cool...

One submarine, three years? Is that a joke?

Another round of brown envelopes to follow.

It'll never get off the ground.

29 minutes ago, Homburg said:

It'll never get off the ground.

Or into the water. If it does, will it rise when it's commanded to rise?

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

expected to be completed within the next three years.

Not a rush program except maybe to burn cash.

In 2014 Thailand's navy under the Junta Leader/PM Prayut inaugurated a £10m (540 million baht) headquarters and training center (including a submarine simulator) for its submarine squadron, even though it has no subs to command.

Its submariners had been previously been training in both Germany and South Korea in anticipation of purchasing subs from either nation but both deals fell through.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/07/thailand-new-naval-base-submarines

 

Whats funny is the sub has taken so long to build that most of the personnel they were training to run the sub, have retired or moved on to new positions.....lol

 

Trust me folks the odds of me winning the power ball lottery are vastly better than the sub being finished in 3 years...

1 hour ago, kwan said:

Ready for next conflict with Cambodia or Lao or maybe Vietnam!

 

With submarine, they can attack their neighbor from under water; torpedo tube can also shoot  cruise missiles.

The Carrier is going to provide 'Force Protection'.

Well, hats off, that really is excellent news.

 

Hopefully, it should be finished and delivered just about in time to be of no strategic import, whatsoever.

2 hours ago, PB172111 said:

Do some research. There is a Overlapping Claims Area (OCA)  in the Gulf Of Thailand between Thailand and Cambodia.

They would use Frigates or similar for any naval conflict, the waters you mention are super shallow so not really sub territory. Why do you think there is so many squid fishing boats in the gulf and especially the area mentioned, shallow water!

2 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

Some people are very high places here are making a lot of money off this deal the brown envelopes were already exchanged that’s why they decided to go with cheap no good Chinese motor it should’ve backed out of the deal when the Chinese could not deliver the German motor which is more superior But I guess when Money change his hands they have to go along with it TIT 

 

Psssst......it's the exactly same engine produced under license from the German manufacturer.

36 minutes ago, paul1804 said:

They would use Frigates or similar for any naval conflict, the waters you mention are super shallow so not really sub territory. Why do you think there is so many squid fishing boats in the gulf and especially the area mentioned, shallow water!

Mean depth is 58m, in places just over 80m.

Any crash dive your stuck in the mud.

The Thai Gulf is no hiding place for subs.

Dive, Dive, Dive... Sir, the outer hatch is still open.. 

Don't Dive, Stop, Up, Up, Up....

 

Breakin news:  Thailands first submarine sank in sea trials today. Luckily every one made it out.  

Save some cash the brand new 2 week old Russian sub plans have been leaked by those kind Ukrainians now you can build one yourselves next..🤔

Must be a shortage of elastic bands in China. 😂🤣

A terrible, & hard to believe, financial & strategic mistake.  The CCP has undoubtedly provided payoffs to entrap Thailand like this. 

An absolute disgrace that those profiting from the payoffs & the anticipated Face/Prestige have done this to their country.

1 minute ago, OneZero said:

An absolute disgrace that those profiting from the payoffs & the anticipated Face/Prestige have done this to their country.

 

I agree. Go ahead and have corruption, but not in a way that embarrasses everyone. Just like the Rama 2 highway failures or the building collapse.

Oh I've got that sinking feeling.

Will it have the capability to remotely switch of the engines?🚣‍♂️