8 hours ago, Enoon said:

 

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).

 

I wouldn't want to be a Thai sailor on that sub...

3 hours ago, Homburg said:

It'll never get off the ground.

It will never make it back to the surface. 

4 hours ago, PB172111 said:

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

But how does Thailand justify subs...fact, they can't.

36 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

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.  

Only Canadians go to sea with a Hatch open.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

They are just using the "Chinese promise" to piss off the US or renegotiate for invoking high tariffs.  They play both sides like other countries...

2 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

But how does Thailand justify subs...fact, they can't.

lol..huh

3 hours 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!

Hi, mean depth of the gulf is around 58m which is enough for a sub. Max depth is 85m but not sure where in the gulf that is.

The creation story also says the world was made in seven days — but I never really bought that, to be honest.

7 hours ago, hotchilli said:

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

 

True

3 hours ago, LJHoward said:

I wouldn't want to be a Thai sailor on that sub...

Proper name is Submariners

25 minutes ago, Feingeist said:

The creation story also says the world was made in seven days — but I never really bought that, to be honest.

Well your the kind of person I need. Will you buy my 2008 Kia Rio for $10k? -:)

6 hours ago, tmd5855 said:

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.

Its not even 58m around the disputed islands!!!

I'm not sure why Thailand needs a sub.   Shiny toy? 

Well thats quick. We ordered some subs in France. First one is ready over 10 years, they say.

It takes the Americans 5 years to build a sub, so the Thais are going to build one in 3 years,,,how using recycled cans, bottle, paper, trash and obviously a couple of longtail boat motors. 

What ever idiots they get to go down on this boat will never be seen again

They’re getting it ready for the war museum. 

 

I suppose the maritime equivalent of a white elephant is a white whale.

 

White elephants are revered in Thailand, not so sure about white whales though.

13 hours ago, cynic1 said:

Proper name is Submariners

Bubble-heads.. 

I wonder if this one will have an engine