Russia seeks closer defence cooperation with Thailand

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Russia seeks closer defence cooperation
Phatsurang Dechabuddharungsi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Russia is ready to sell weapons to Thailand as Moscow wants to see a new era of military and security cooperation between the two nations in order to combat transnational crime and terrorism, Ambassador Kirill Barskiy said on Tuesday.

This would translate into a closer cooperation between the two national armies, which could be built within the Asean disaster-management scheme, which involves regional defence ministers and dialogue partners, he said.

Also, the envoy said, the focus would be on strengthening security, promoting confidence-building measures and a more balanced regional architecture of security In the future.

Barskiy, who took the post in Bangkok this August, said he was also keen on promoting mutual ties between the two countries and also in other areas such as political dialogue, tourism and investment.

He said he wished to build good relations in a peaceful and prosperous way, even though he happens to have been posted under an unelected Thai government.

He pointed out that Russia is a democracy and, hence believes that all problems in Thailand should be resolved in a democratic manner through peaceful dialogue within the constitutional and legal framework.

"How this is achieved is in the hands of the people of Thailand. It is Russia's national character to not interfere with other countries' domestic affairs," Barskiy told Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon in a recent interview. "Only the people of Thailand know best what to do and how to do it."

Russia can help and will always be ready to promote cooperation and contact with the Thai interim government, the ambassador said.

There are projects and commissions in bilateral trade, agriculture and investment that the two countries have established and developed together that are not affected by politics. The ambassador pointed out that CP Group's investment in Russia was already well-established and had proved to be successful.

Russia will be expanding investment in Thailand's energy sector, and the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in September. Ambassador Barskiy said that though the start was small, he hoped the two nations would have a full-fledged cooperation on this in the near future.

In terms of tourism, the ambassador said he was well aware of the huge Russian communities in the Kingdom, especially in Pattaya and Phuket. As many as 1.7 million Russians visited Thailand last year, and the envoy said he expects the number to rise by 20 to 30 per cent in the years ahead.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Russia-seeks-closer-defence-cooperation-30247094.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-06

[zydeco]

On one hand, we have parts of Thailand turned into a giant Russian slum. On the other, it's being made into an extension of the great Chinese sweatshop. Bright days are indeed on the horizon.

[Tatsujin]

Another step away from the USA and a bigger step closer to Russia and China . . . not so sure that's such a great idea . . .

[siampolee]

Just waiting for the day when we see the Russian fleet arrive in Pattaya and the Russian air forces Su-30M2, Su-30SM, and Su-35S and the Tupolev TU -142 along with a few Ilyushin Il-78 heavy transports and an assortment of attack helicopters operating out of the U-Tapao Rayong air base.

[Halion]

Barbarians at the Gate.

[NCC1701A]

thanks Obama... almost unthinkable...

[ChrisY1]

There aren't too many countries in the region that would accept Russia gaining a foot hold..........

I hardly see Russia as being a leader against terrorism in any reagion....as the article suggests, as the reason to be accepted here........sure...they'll sell weaponry to Thailand....they'll sell weaponry to anyone!

Hopefully, Thailand will be able to resist them......but again....depends whose palms are greased...and with the military ruling, who knows what will happen?

[ezzra]

Not only have to Russkees dumped all their Vodka laden " tourist " on Thailand by the millions,

now they want to dump their dilapidated arms and military equipment on Thailand as well,

and i's sure, as the day is long, that they will find a "sympathetic" general whom they will persuade

to by the surplus junk from them...

[siampolee]

'Twould be interesting to see this happening in the bars in Pattaya,

However as the dance and the dancers are in truth of Ukrainian descent one might just find an almighty punch up happening as the two ethnic entities met each other.

[wwest5829]

thanks Obama... almost unthinkable...

Very funny!

[Rob8891]

Just typical of the p!$$ing contest between Putin and the yanks.

However, I did appreciate the quick-fire jokes...

" It is Russia's national character to not interfere with other countries' domestic affairs," Barskiy told Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon in a recent interview. "Only the people of Thailand know best what to do and how to do it."

It's the way I tell 'em....every one's a cracker.

[kamahele]

HAHAHAHAHA 55555555. Don't see it happening.

[oneday]

I see nothing Thailand can offer Russia so this is a one-way deal as far as I'm concerned, just as it would be with China.

[RigPig]

Just the first step in annexing Phuket, next the carrier will be parked off Patong beach for R&R, then "We are just protecting the rights of the Russian community".....

[EnglishJohn]

If Russia and/or China get Thailand firmly in their claws, all the USA haters in Thailand will start complaining that America is to blame because it did nothing to help. I would pack them all off to live in Russia or China if it were possible.

You don't get the information about those places because they are not free countries and whistle blowers will simply disappear. I suppose ignorance is bliss for some people.

This is all part of global politics. Russia and China will do anything to weaken America's position because it makes it easier for them to get away with whatever they want to do. My worry is that the personal greed and low ethics of Thai politicians might allow it to happen if the deal is right. The GT200 bomb detector is a good example.

[konying]

Got to love Russian bashing.

Let's see who should thailand be friends with? Someone who offers friendship or someone who dictates the terms of it

Someone who is closer or further

Someone whose nationals invest more in 1 year than any other nation

Someone who has close ties with another 3 neighbouring countries or someone who threats sanctions.

Hard choices there.i wonder what Thailand would chose especially since last words of "condemnation "

[nong38]

Russia does not interfere with other countries domestic affairs, ask Georgia and Ukrainne I am sure they will vouch for them . The choice is really between the

Western way and the Russian way, Thailand played the French and the British at this game and gave a way vast tracks of land to avoid colonization, things have moved on now but who would you prefer as your neighbour in a block of Condos? Who would prefer as your friend in time of need?

Edited November 6, 2014 by nong38

[noitom]

We Go Together - Moonglows

[canopus1969]

Simple - Russia's economy is going to sh*t so needs to sell as much as possible to earn hard ($) currency.

[rickirs]

Russian defence cooperation?

That worked out well with the Asaad dictatorship didn't it? Russia was also a supplier of weapons to both Ukraine and its pro-Russian insurgents -another success story. Russia seems to search out a particular kind of client for "cooperation" and unfortunately Thailand seems to fit the billing.

[h90]

Very good.....for both Thailand and Russia.

[Snowdog]

just what Thailand doesn`t need Russia trying to destroy there country to. hopefully the powers that be will tell them to go to hell

[Snowdog]

Very good.....for both Thailand and Russia.

what colors the sky in your world. that would destroy thailand

[richusa]

Being Russia has split up. ALL OF THE BANGKOK NIGHTCLUBS ARE RUN BY UKRAINE.

The cops get their cut $$$$$$$$ to look the other way. I CANNNOT SEE WHY THE GOVERNMENT WON'T STEP IN.

[Lupatria]

Now that they already work hard in their effort to take over Phuket and Pattaya it makes sense.

And the Russian bear said to the Thai Lizard: "Let's sign a defense/defence cooperation contract. But keep in mind before you handle this like many other contracts you signed in the past- just have a look at Ukraine."

Edited November 6, 2014 by Lupatria

[Old Man River]

Another step away from the USA and a bigger step closer to Russia and China . . . not so sure that's such a great idea . . .

What strategic value does Thailand have that Russia wants?

[wabothai]

Sneaky as usual!! Thailand, be careful!

[siampolee]

Old Man River post # 26.

What strategic value does Thailand have that Russia wants?

Look back in history and even the recent few years indeed there is no love lost twixt Russia and China,. Thailand could be an important strategic base for the Russians in times of strife.

[zydeco]

Got to love Russian bashing.

Let's see who should thailand be friends with? Someone who offers friendship or someone who dictates the terms of it

Someone who is closer or further

Someone whose nationals invest more in 1 year than any other nation

Someone who has close ties with another 3 neighbouring countries or someone who threats sanctions.

Hard choices there.i wonder what Thailand would chose especially since last words of "condemnation "

"Someone who is closer or further." In the case of Russia, you definitely want to ally with someone further. Almost everybody on Russia's European border fears and loathes them. To know Russia is to hate Russia. Things were better during the Cold War when these barbarous drunkards were confined behind the wall of their own making.

[ratcatcher]

Another step away from the USA and a bigger step closer to Russia and China . . . not so sure that's such a great idea . . .

What strategic value does Thailand have that Russia wants?

Safe go go bars?