Deputy PM meets with Russian Security Council chief
NNT News

BANGKOK, 11 February 2016 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has convened with the chief of the Russian Security Council on issues of cooperation while saying there is no plan to purchase new tanks.

Prior to his meeting with Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, who was on an official visit to Thailand, Gen Prawit pointed out that the two countries have engaged in security cooperation for one full year, with a focus on the fight against transnational crime. With a large number of Russians in Thailand, he insisted that the government strives to ensure their utmost safety and well-being during their stay.

According to the deputy premier, his discussion with Mr Patrushev at the Ministry of Defense covered Russia’s plan to import Thai agricultural products as well as Thailand’s consideration to procure fire-fighting aircraft and military engineering equipment from Russia.

In response to reports claiming that an order would be placed for T-90 tanks during his visit to Russia late this month, Gen Prawit said they are groundless. He affirmed no negotiations on the matter will take place although there may be some discussions on an exchange of military equipment and defense technology.

Source: http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en/news/news_detail/WNPOL5902110010008

-- NNT 2016-02-11

As, at this moment, they have military exercises going on with the Americans.

there may be some discussions on an exchange of military equipment and defense technology.

Seriously?

in the Global Firepower World Rankings covering 126 nations, Thailand ranks a respectful 20^th between Poland and Vietnam while Russia ranks 2^nd. The ranking formua allows smaller, more technologically-advanced nations parity with larger, lesser-developed ones. As such Israel ranks 11^th. Nuclear capability is NOT taken into account!

The only exchange between Russia and Thailand is for Thai rubber and foods for Russian equipment and technology. Unless Russia can use some rampaging elephants.

ref. http://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing.asp