Submarines for what? We face no maritime threats

[sanuk711]

the largest factor forbiding thai submarines is the fact, that the Gulf of Thailand doesn't have any greater depths than 50 meters . . .the average depth is 28 meters.!! Where do they intend to dive?? I don't know if the Thai Navy is planning to ram submarines into the bottoms of the gulf and bury them in sediment, or actually trying to dive. A thai submarine in the andaman sea is as useless as the balls of the pope...crazygreg44

------------------

The depth of the English Chanel is 45 meters---is that where the English & French submarines sit ??--

45 metres

From its mouth in the North Atlantic Ocean—an arbitrary limit marked by a line between the Scilly Isles and the Isle of Ushant—its width gradually narrows from 112 miles (180 kilometres) to a minimum of 21 miles, while its average depth decreases from 400 to 150 feet (120 to 45 metres)

The depth of the Thai gulf is 80 meters--average depth 50 meters,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Thailand

Of course the submarines do not sit in the Thai gulf----no more then the English/French sit in the Chanel, the Thai subs will be for the Adman sea with a max depth of 4,000 meters average between 900-3,000 meters --https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_Sea

Do I think the Thai navvy needs subs----probably not, I post because I think I am becoming anal about misinformation or non facts that are getting posted here, so someone who hasn't taken any time (about 2 min on Google) to look up can then try to ridicule Thailand. & if the facts do go against them----well its always the "its a Thai plot card to play. There are countries who's people are so much poorer than Thailand's people sending rockets to Mars (India etc) without much comment from the TV posters------honestly, living here for some of you must be hell.......

[fred Kubasa]

" Thailand definitely needs to build up it's military strength " ? Why ? who wants Thailand or any of it's myriad of problems ?

Want Thailand's gold ?, it's oil ?,its diamonds ? They built it enough with the airship, ( ground ship ? ), the 1,500 SNIPER rifles, golf ball detectors. Take away their subscription to " Military Equipment Capable of Killing Millions " so they don't stumble onto the Nuclear section !

[crazygreg44]

the largest factor forbiding thai submarines is the fact, that the Gulf of Thailand doesn't have any greater depths than 50 meters . . .the average depth is 28 meters.!! Where do they intend to dive?? I don't know if the Thai Navy is planning to ram submarines into the bottoms of the gulf and bury them in sediment, or actually trying to dive. A thai submarine in the andaman sea is as useless as the balls of the pope...crazygreg44

------------------

The depth of the English Chanel is 45 meters---is that where the English & French submarines sit ??--

45 metres

From its mouth in the North Atlantic Ocean—an arbitrary limit marked by a line between the Scilly Isles and the Isle of Ushant—its width gradually narrows from 112 miles (180 kilometres) to a minimum of 21 miles, while its average depth decreases from 400 to 150 feet (120 to 45 metres)

The depth of the Thai gulf is 80 meters--average depth 50 meters,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Thailand

Of course the submarines do not sit in the Thai gulf----no more then the English/French sit in the Chanel, the Thai subs will be for the Adman sea with a max depth of 4,000 meters average between 900-3,000 meters --https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_Sea

Do I think the Thai navvy needs subs----probably not, I post because I think I am becoming anal about misinformation or non facts that are getting posted here, so someone who hasn't taken any time (about 2 min on Google) to look up can then try to ridicule Thailand. & if the facts do go against them----well its always the "its a Thai plot card to play. There are countries who's people are so much poorer than Thailand's people sending rockets to Mars (India etc) without much comment from the TV posters------honestly, living here for some of you must be hell.......

thanks for getting it straight ! While the average depths in front of the Sattahip Navy base is still 20 meters ( which makes us fear that the subs might never leave port due to the risk they will be scratching ground) all our 80 meters suggestions might be derived from gurgling for absolute depths.

i am not trying to put Thailand down. Just let them play. Thailand loves to play.

[Eric Loh]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

.

If ever there is a time to regain some lost image to the general public, it should be this moment whereby he as the PM and NCPO chief reject the Navy's request outright citing better use of funds to improve the hardship of the people. If he is afraid of insulting his fellow mates, he then has a problem of leadership and reveal him as weak and not totally in control. The previous government rejected the Navy's request outright and the junta cabinet should do likewise or face more criticism if they approve. Doubt they can hold off the pressure of the Navy till next government with the Navy knowing that this is about their best chance to get their submarines and their payout.

[smutcakes]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there. For someone who knows people everywhere you sure have little idea about whats happening in Thailand.

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase, because it will make people in awe of Thailand. Maybe time to get some new make believe friends 'in the know'.

[crazygreg44]

thai subs will sit in the Andaman Sea.you say, because the andaman seas will be the center of operation. So why does admirality always say, Thai subs for Sattahip. Just HOW will they swim to the Andaman sea ? they will move a lot of sleet in the gulf of Thailand before they end up in front of Phuket shore, depending where the subs are going to be delivered. The germans already are fond of the deal.

[sawadee1947]

I really don't know why everybody is against new subs for Thailand. Imagine what you can do with it? Adventure holidays for Chinese customers or torpedo shooting for hunters or social experiments for psychos and a lot more...

[PatOngo]

Submarines for what?

Simple logic........they will be submerged in the Chao Phraya river to push the impending yearly flood waters into the gulf....

[rametindallas]

Hey, Mr. PM - You don't need subs. Nobody WANTS your country.

Besides, isn't this supposed to be an interim government who's sole purpose is to establish a democratic republic?

isn't this supposed to be an interim government who's sole purpose is to establish a democratic republic?

Short answer: No

Long answer: Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. The PM, as a member of the RTA, swore an oath to uphold the Constitutional Monarchy.

A Democratic Republic is not a common form of government. Here is the list of Democratic Republics: Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Nepal, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Constitutional monarchies are systems in which the head of state is a constitutional monarch; the existence of their office and their ability to exercise their authority is established and restrained or held back by constitutional law.

Constitutional with ceremonial monarchs in which a prime minister is the active head of the executive branch of government. In some cases the prime minister is also leader of the legislature, in other cases the executive branch is clearly separated from legislature although the entire cabinet or individual ministers must step down in the case of a vote of no confidence. The head of state is a constitutional monarch who normally only exercises his or her powers with the consent of the government, the people, or their representatives. Here is a list of Constitutional Monarchies: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Grenada, Jamaica, Japan, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Tuvalu.

Military Junta states: The nation's military control the organs of government and all high-ranking political executives are also members of the military hierarchy. Thailand is currently the only country in the world with this form of government (temporarily).

Maybe you're thinking of a Republic with a president like the US or France. Well, that's what Thaksin wanted and tried to make happen so he could be Thailand's first President for Life like his good friend, the thug, Hun Sen. That is why Royalists will never trust him and many hate him.

.

[smutcakes]

Hey, Mr. PM - You don't need subs. Nobody WANTS your country.

Besides, isn't this supposed to be an interim government who's sole purpose is to establish a democratic republic?

isn't this supposed to be an interim government who's sole purpose is to establish a democratic republic?

Short answer: No

Long answer: Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. The PM, as a member of the RTA, swore an oath to uphold the Constitutional Monarchy.

A Democratic Republic is not a common form of government. Here is the list of Democratic Republics: Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Nepal, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Constitutional monarchies are systems in which the head of state is a constitutional monarch; the existence of their office and their ability to exercise their authority is established and restrained or held back by constitutional law.

Constitutional with ceremonial monarchs in which a prime minister is the active head of the executive branch of government. In some cases the prime minister is also leader of the legislature, in other cases the executive branch is clearly separated from legislature although the entire cabinet or individual ministers must step down in the case of a vote of no confidence. The head of state is a constitutional monarch who normally only exercises his or her powers with the consent of the government, the people, or their representatives. Here is a list of Constitutional Monarchies: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Grenada, Jamaica, Japan, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Tuvalu.

Military Junta states: The nation's military control the organs of government and all high-ranking political executives are also members of the military hierarchy. Thailand is currently the only country in the world with this form of government (temporarily).

Maybe you're thinking of a Republic with a president like the US or France. Well, that's what Thaksin wanted and tried to make happen so he could be Thailand's first President for Life like his good friend, the thug, Hun Sen. That is why Royalists will never trust him and many hate him.

.

Other than when he tore up the constitution and chucked it in the bin of course.

[rametindallas]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there. For someone who knows people everywhere you sure have little idea about whats happening in Thailand.

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase, because it will make people in awe of Thailand. Maybe time to get some new make believe friends 'in the know'.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there

You're wrong! I don't know anyone in the Navy.

Since you hate Thais and Thailand so much, as evidenced by your posts, I well understand why you haven't been able to cultivate any influential Thais as friends or acquaintances. Your personality may also have something to do with it.

Thais are a gregarious people and once inside a group/circle and you have the right personality, they like to 'show you off' and introduce you to their friends. I intentionally cultivate friends and acquaintance with the power to smooth my path here. It is very similar to the place where I grew up. Jealous, much?

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase

Sure it says that. That's the message Prayut is putting out. Why would he want to be confrontational with the Navy? You must not know many Thai people on a personal level. Most will tell you yes when they are too 'krieng jai' to tell you no. They will promise you to do something, and then not do it (a lot of this stems from the way Westerners ask; they leave no wriggle room).

If you like to hang around with Westerners, you get a Westerners' skewed view of Thais and Thailand and it's you that has little idea about what's happening in Thailand. You regularly illustrate your ignorance of the Thai way of thinking and doing and you constantly judge Thais by your own Western standards. Instead of accepting that they think and act differently from you, you argue it is they should conform to your way of thinking. Ever heard of Sisyphus? Or King Canute?

.

[smutcakes]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there. For someone who knows people everywhere you sure have little idea about whats happening in Thailand.

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase, because it will make people in awe of Thailand. Maybe time to get some new make believe friends 'in the know'.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there

You're wrong! I don't know anyone in the Navy.

Since you hate Thais and Thailand so much, as evidenced by your posts, I well understand why you haven't been able to cultivate any influential Thais as friends or acquaintances. Your personality may also have something to do with it.

Thais are a gregarious people and once inside a group/circle and you have the right personality, they like to 'show you off' and introduce you to their friends. I intentionally cultivate friends and acquaintance with the power to smooth my path here. It is very similar to the place where I grew up. Jealous, much?

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase

Sure it says that. That's the message Prayut is putting out. Why would he want to be confrontational with the Navy? You must not know many Thai people on a personal level. Most will tell you yes when they are too 'krieng jai' to tell you no. They will promise you to do something, and then not do it (a lot of this stems from the way Westerners ask; they leave no wriggle room).

If you like to hang around with Westerners, you get a Westerners' skewed view of Thais and Thailand and it's you that has little idea about what's happening in Thailand. You regularly illustrate your ignorance of the Thai way of thinking and doing and you constantly judge Thais by your own Western standards. Instead of accepting that they think and act differently from you, you argue it is they should conform to your way of thinking. Ever heard of Sisyphus? Or King Canute?

.

Okay, mate. You know everything about anything. I get it. Did you not post recently that you live in the US? not here anyway.

[slipperylobster]

the largest factor forbiding thai submarines is the fact, that the Gulf of Thailand doesn't have any greater depths than 50 meters . . .the average depth is 28 meters.!! Where do they intend to dive?? I don't know if the Thai Navy is planning to ram submarines into the bottoms of the gulf and bury them in sediment, or actually trying to dive. A thai submarine in the andaman sea is as useless as the balls of the pope...crazygreg44

------------------

The depth of the English Chanel is 45 meters---is that where the English & French submarines sit ??--

45 metres

From its mouth in the North Atlantic Ocean—an arbitrary limit marked by a line between the Scilly Isles and the Isle of Ushant—its width gradually narrows from 112 miles (180 kilometres) to a minimum of 21 miles, while its average depth decreases from 400 to 150 feet (120 to 45 metres)

The depth of the Thai gulf is 80 meters--average depth 50 meters,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Thailand

Of course the submarines do not sit in the Thai gulf----no more then the English/French sit in the Chanel, the Thai subs will be for the Adman sea with a max depth of 4,000 meters average between 900-3,000 meters --https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_Sea

Do I think the Thai navvy needs subs----probably not, I post because I think I am becoming anal about misinformation or non facts that are getting posted here, so someone who hasn't taken any time (about 2 min on Google) to look up can then try to ridicule Thailand. & if the facts do go against them----well its always the "its a Thai plot card to play. There are countries who's people are so much poorer than Thailand's people sending rockets to Mars (India etc) without much comment from the TV posters------honestly, living here for some of you must be hell.......

Exactly so. The gulf will be used for a safe water port...but exercises and patrols will be.......beyond.

Consider all the submarines parked in Subic Bay. I know almost every part of that bay (I sail and also had a fishing banca). There are some channels dredged for ship traffic....but the bay was used to supply, fuel and load weapons (even nukes). Submarines will neither dive in Subic Bay..nor the gulf of Thailand. They then proceed out to waters unknown...to the rest of us.

You might also consider that Obama is chatting up Vietnam...as well. They may end up patrolling the seas...on their side.

Basically..what you will have....is a perimeter of patrols (submarines included)...stretching from the China Sea...to the Adaman.

It's called..........containment.

Edited July 8, 2015 by slipperylobster

[Soutpeel]

the largest factor forbiding thai submarines is the fact, that the Gulf of Thailand doesn't have any greater depths than 50 meters . . .the average depth is 28 meters.!! Where do they intend to dive?? I don't know if the Thai Navy is planning to ram submarines into the bottoms of the gulf and bury them in sediment, or actually trying to dive. A thai submarine in the andaman sea is as useless as the balls of the pope...crazygreg44

------------------

The depth of the English Chanel is 45 meters---is that where the English & French submarines sit ??--

45 metres

From its mouth in the North Atlantic Ocean—an arbitrary limit marked by a line between the Scilly Isles and the Isle of Ushant—its width gradually narrows from 112 miles (180 kilometres) to a minimum of 21 miles, while its average depth decreases from 400 to 150 feet (120 to 45 metres)

The depth of the Thai gulf is 80 meters--average depth 50 meters,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Thailand

Of course the submarines do not sit in the Thai gulf----no more then the English/French sit in the Chanel, the Thai subs will be for the Adman sea with a max depth of 4,000 meters average between 900-3,000 meters --https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_Sea

Do I think the Thai navvy needs subs----probably not, I post because I think I am becoming anal about misinformation or non facts that are getting posted here, so someone who hasn't taken any time (about 2 min on Google) to look up can then try to ridicule Thailand. & if the facts do go against them----well its always the "its a Thai plot card to play. There are countries who's people are so much poorer than Thailand's people sending rockets to Mars (India etc) without much comment from the TV posters------honestly, living here for some of you must be hell.......

thanks for getting it straight ! While the average depths in front of the Sattahip Navy base is still 20 meters ( which makes us fear that the subs might never leave port due to the risk they will be scratching ground) all our 80 meters suggestions might be derived from gurgling for absolute depths.

i am not trying to put Thailand down. Just let them play. Thailand loves to play.

You may not be putting Thailand down Greg but your talking a lot of poo, the water depth in front of Sattahip naval base is not 20m

If it was only 20m how did they get that aircraft carrier along side the jetty then ? what you reckon the draft of that thing is ? With clearance from the sea bed - fact is there is a "deep water" channel to facilitate the movement of vessels

You don't know the water depth of the GOT, you don't know about Sattahip port, so why not stop talking ?

[DNPBC0]

A little patience is required. It's not long to wait before Thailand will have the largest submarine in the world - for free! The gigantic vessel has already been launched and named, 'Bangkok'. The current rate of dive is rather slow (10 mm per year), but should speed up with sea-level rise.

[JAG]

It's true Thailand faces no maritime threat, but then neither does it face any overland threat. None of its neighbors pose any credible military threat at all. It's not clear why Thailand needs a military at all. Perhaps they should go the route of Costa Rica and just abolish it.

As someone recently pointed out the mulitary focus is inwards - self enrichment, self agrandisment,, and self preservation. The submarine procurement fits the bill for the first two.

[arrowsdawdle]

Submarines for what?

Tinglish at it's finest.

Submarines for what? Why to replace the jet ski concessions of course.

[JAG]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there. For someone who knows people everywhere you sure have little idea about whats happening in Thailand.

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase, because it will make people in awe of Thailand. Maybe time to get some new make believe friends 'in the know'.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there

You're wrong! I don't know anyone in the Navy.

Since you hate Thais and Thailand so much, as evidenced by your posts, I well understand why you haven't been able to cultivate any influential Thais as friends or acquaintances. Your personality may also have something to do with it.

Thais are a gregarious people and once inside a group/circle and you have the right personality, they like to 'show you off' and introduce you to their friends. I intentionally cultivate friends and acquaintance with the power to smooth my path here. It is very similar to the place where I grew up. Jealous, much?

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase

Sure it says that. That's the message Prayut is putting out. Why would he want to be confrontational with the Navy? You must not know many Thai people on a personal level. Most will tell you yes when they are too 'krieng jai' to tell you no. They will promise you to do something, and then not do it (a lot of this stems from the way Westerners ask; they leave no wriggle room).

If you like to hang around with Westerners, you get a Westerners' skewed view of Thais and Thailand and it's you that has little idea about what's happening in Thailand. You regularly illustrate your ignorance of the Thai way of thinking and doing and you constantly judge Thais by your own Western standards. Instead of accepting that they think and act differently from you, you argue it is they should conform to your way of thinking. Ever heard of Sisyphus? Or King Canute?

.

Okay, mate. You know everything about anything. I get it. Did you not post recently that you live in the US? not here anyway.

So it was a long distance phone call!

[rametindallas]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there. For someone who knows people everywhere you sure have little idea about whats happening in Thailand.

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase, because it will make people in awe of Thailand. Maybe time to get some new make believe friends 'in the know'.

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there

You're wrong! I don't know anyone in the Navy.

Since you hate Thais and Thailand so much, as evidenced by your posts, I well understand why you haven't been able to cultivate any influential Thais as friends or acquaintances. Your personality may also have something to do with it.

Thais are a gregarious people and once inside a group/circle and you have the right personality, they like to 'show you off' and introduce you to their friends. I intentionally cultivate friends and acquaintance with the power to smooth my path here. It is very similar to the place where I grew up. Jealous, much?

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase

Sure it says that. That's the message Prayut is putting out. Why would he want to be confrontational with the Navy? You must not know many Thai people on a personal level. Most will tell you yes when they are too 'krieng jai' to tell you no. They will promise you to do something, and then not do it (a lot of this stems from the way Westerners ask; they leave no wriggle room).

If you like to hang around with Westerners, you get a Westerners' skewed view of Thais and Thailand and it's you that has little idea about what's happening in Thailand. You regularly illustrate your ignorance of the Thai way of thinking and doing and you constantly judge Thais by your own Western standards. Instead of accepting that they think and act differently from you, you argue it is they should conform to your way of thinking. Ever heard of Sisyphus? Or King Canute?

.

Okay, mate. You know everything about anything. I get it. Did you not post recently that you live in the US? not here anyway.

You are correct. My primary residence is the US, for a multitude of reasons, and I spend between 35% and 40% of each year in Thailand. You do know that there is phone and INTERNET service to connect me to my contacts in Thailand, don't you? I call my close friends bi-weekly and send funny/stupid, sexy/crude, and gross emails weekly, or so, to my acquaintances; I 'bcc' them so they think it is personal to them. I cultivate them. I don't cultivate you because I think you are a rude, confrontational person. I can't imagine your personality is compatible with Thai people. Please, try to confine yourself to the OP or I might just ignore you. Nag, much?

Nag: annoy or irritate (a person) with persistent fault-finding.

.

[rametindallas]

Of course you did mate.... you know everyone, mafia here, mafia there, casino's here there and everywhere, army here, navy there

You're wrong! I don't know anyone in the Navy.

Since you hate Thais and Thailand so much, as evidenced by your posts, I well understand why you haven't been able to cultivate any influential Thais as friends or acquaintances. Your personality may also have something to do with it.

Thais are a gregarious people and once inside a group/circle and you have the right personality, they like to 'show you off' and introduce you to their friends. I intentionally cultivate friends and acquaintance with the power to smooth my path here. It is very similar to the place where I grew up. Jealous, much?

In the other paper it says, with quotes that Prayuth supports the purchase

Sure it says that. That's the message Prayut is putting out. Why would he want to be confrontational with the Navy? You must not know many Thai people on a personal level. Most will tell you yes when they are too 'krieng jai' to tell you no. They will promise you to do something, and then not do it (a lot of this stems from the way Westerners ask; they leave no wriggle room).

If you like to hang around with Westerners, you get a Westerners' skewed view of Thais and Thailand and it's you that has little idea about what's happening in Thailand. You regularly illustrate your ignorance of the Thai way of thinking and doing and you constantly judge Thais by your own Western standards. Instead of accepting that they think and act differently from you, you argue it is they should conform to your way of thinking. Ever heard of Sisyphus? Or King Canute?

.

Okay, mate. You know everything about anything. I get it. Did you not post recently that you live in the US? not here anyway.

So it was a long distance phone call!

Yes, I use 'Google Voice' and it costs 2 cents per minute to direct dial. Great deduction, Sherlock!

.

[smutcakes]

Okay, mate. You know everything about anything. I get it. Did you not post recently that you live in the US? not here anyway.

You are correct. My primary residence is the US, for a multitude of reasons, and I spend between 35% and 40% of each year in Thailand. You do know that there is phone and INTERNET service to connect me to my contacts in Thailand, don't you? I call my close friends bi-weekly and send funny/stupid, sexy/crude, and gross emails weekly, or so, to my acquaintances; I 'bcc' them so they think it is personal to them. I cultivate them. I don't cultivate you because I think you are a rude, confrontational person. I can't imagine your personality is compatible with Thai people. Please, try to confine yourself to the OP or I might just ignore you. Nag, much?

Nag: annoy or irritate (a person) with persistent fault-finding.

.

So you picked up your phone to have a 'chat' with your 'contact' about Prayuth and the submarines

[Jimlove]

Imagine the most scary place to be in the World : Inside a Thai ( not maintained ) submarine bought in China ...

[sungod]

the largest factor forbiding thai submarines is the fact, that the Gulf of Thailand doesn't have any greater depths than 50 meters . . .the average depth is 28 meters.!! Where do they intend to dive?? I don't know if the Thai Navy is planning to ram submarines into the bottoms of the gulf and bury them in sediment, or actually trying to dive.

A thai submarine in the andaman sea is as useless as the balls of the pope.

Maybe they will try to sink their own ships by friendly fire . . .as they did with a destroyer in the short shootout at Koh Chang, against the french. They managed to almost sink their own ship.

Not sure where you got those figures from, I did a quick Google search and came up with average of between 45-50m, maximum of 80m from a few internet sites. This is comparable to the Persian Gulf where many said the same thing that it was too shallow, but USA and UK submarines have operated there for years.

That said, I would agree that the money would be better spent on other things,

[candide]

The Swiss Navy is following this issue carefully, as it could create a precedent.....

[NickJ]

Well....They already have more General Officers than Infantrymen. So now there going to do the same with Admirals......The All New Admiral Club.

[phycokiller]

great way to get drugs in and out of the country. Im sure the military are heavily involved in that

[jcisco]

Hey, Mr. PM - You don't need subs. Nobody WANTS your country.

Besides, isn't this supposed to be an interim government who's sole purpose is to establish a democratic republic?

isn't this supposed to be an interim government who's sole purpose is to establish a democratic republic?

Short answer: No

Long answer: Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. The PM, as a member of the RTA, swore an oath to uphold the Constitutional Monarchy.

A Democratic Republic is not a common form of government. Here is the list of Democratic Republics: Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Nepal, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Constitutional monarchies are systems in which the head of state is a constitutional monarch; the existence of their office and their ability to exercise their authority is established and restrained or held back by constitutional law.

Constitutional with ceremonial monarchs in which a prime minister is the active head of the executive branch of government. In some cases the prime minister is also leader of the legislature, in other cases the executive branch is clearly separated from legislature although the entire cabinet or individual ministers must step down in the case of a vote of no confidence. The head of state is a constitutional monarch who normally only exercises his or her powers with the consent of the government, the people, or their representatives. Here is a list of Constitutional Monarchies: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Grenada, Jamaica, Japan, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Tuvalu.

Military Junta states: The nation's military control the organs of government and all high-ranking political executives are also members of the military hierarchy. Thailand is currently the only country in the world with this form of government (temporarily).

Maybe you're thinking of a Republic with a president like the US or France. Well, that's what Thaksin wanted and tried to make happen so he could be Thailand's first President for Life like his good friend, the thug, Hun Sen. That is why Royalists will never trust him and many hate him.

.

Hun Sen is Viet Nams leader of their vassal Cambodia, Thaksin would have to have the country really go to hell before Viet Nam would get mobile and come and clear up the problem. Though if Hun Sen nagged a lot then maybe they'd let him come in and try clean up on his own, with orders to go back to Cambodia like a good boy after handing over the reigns to T. Just like VN did for Hun....

what an alternative reality that feels like..

[jcisco]

The Swiss Navy is following this issue carefully, as it could create a precedent.....

Indeed Liechtenstein too has asked the swiss to keep an eye on it for them

[trojanhorse]

The submarines will cost billions of dollars, never mind the cost of refitting them every year. They can't even man the carrier, how they going to man these with conscripts? They don't have enough volunteers. Whose going to set up the training estb? China? Whose going to set up the maintenance for these sub's, where they going to get the specialized engineers from? A huge toll on manpower & resources to keep them afloat.

Sent from my Lenovo P780 using Tapatalk

[Srikcir]

I called a friend who seems to be 'in the know' and he told me that the PM is somewhat sympathetic in public, so as not to insult the Admirals, but there just isn't that kind of money in the budget to give them. Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines and flood prevention projects and there are more than a few promises he's made to fund this or that. He did not budget for these submarines and he is stalling for time hoping the Navy will withdraw their request so that everyone can save face. I'm thinking this purchase will not happen with this current government.

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"Prayut has already committed to spending trillions on dual-track fast freight/passenger lines"

That commitment isn't with CASH but with DEBT. That debt will be carried by future governments for the next 10-20 years in paying loans to China. The military could care less if that debt is defaulted.

But it wants to use cash for the sub purchases that it apparently and surrepticiously hidden away. I say the "surreptious" as the navy as late as the Yingluck regime had been rebuffed for sub funds. So it follows that it had a slush fund for "emergencies."

If the sub purchases are part of the Chinese dual rail acquisition, Prayut cannot retract the purchase. It would reopen negotiations for the cost of the dual rail system and the Junta/Prayut would face.