Defense Min: Military equipment purchase in line with actual needs

BANGKOK, 18 May 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Defense has clarified that the procurement of military equipment is being conducted based on the needs of each military unit while saying the new items will replace the old and outdated ones.

Before his departure for Khon Kaen province to observe training exercises at Prem Tinsulanonda Military Camp, Army Chief Gen Teerachai Nakwanich revealed that orders have been placed for new MBT-3000 tanks from China following approval by the procurement committee. He said the incoming tanks will replace the old ones currently in use while expressing confidence in their quality and cost effectiveness.

Besides military tanks, the Army Chief noted that Thailand is still in need of new helicopters, especially for the purposes of transporting troops and performing disaster relief operations.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan commented on the procurement plan, saying it is in accord with the request from each military unit. He added that all details, including the obtainment of the MBT-3000 tanks, will soon be presented to the government for acknowledgement.


-- NNT 2016-05-18

Just don't mention the 3 subs!

Edited May 17, 201610 yr by HiSoLowSoNoSo

Daddy Prayut, Daddy Prayut we NEED new toys.

Defense Min: Military equipment purchase in line with actual needs

BANGKOK, 18 May 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Defense has clarified that the procurement of military equipment is being conducted based on the needs of each military unit while saying the new items will replace the old and outdated ones.

-- NNT 2016-05-18

Is this indeed a first for Thailand?

Procurement based on need and replacement of old and outdated equipment.

As opposed to the usual reasons.

The fact that the U.S. will not support a non elected government in Thailand has created an interesting situation for the military.

For decades, the U.S. supported and supplied Thailand with military equipment.

I got lost and ended taking a drive through the military base in Korat about a year ago and almost all of the equipment there, from tanks to trucks was from America.

With no American help since the government change, the equipment is ageing and I'm sure in need of parts for repair or replacement

This is yet one more reason for Thailand to get closer to China.

I am somewhat surprised that the American industrial/ military corporations have not tried to keep the military equipment flowing to Thailand.

After all, the war machine in America is really about money and profits for corporations.

The scuttlebutt doing the rounds at the moment is Thailand has bought 5 tanks from china at X million dollars.

And the Ukrian has bought 5 tanks but at a cheaper price.

Anyone out there have the real numbers on this? would be rather interesting to see if the "scuttlebutt" is true or not

I need a tank to feel safe in thai traffic.

Daddy Prayut, Daddy Prayut we NEED new toys.

Sounds about right. Khruschev used to complain he could spend the entire Soviet budget on the military and they would still claim it was nowhere near enough..

Edited May 18, 201610 yr by baboon

The question is why do they need new toys? There is no real threat from Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos - they are all ASEAN countries and the border issues with Cambodia have been peacefully discussed through international bodies.

The violence in the South does not call for tanks, jet fighters or submarines but more a policial solution.

They are not overly engaged in any international engagements where latest military techonolgy is needed.

But of course tanks always do look impressive in the streets in Bangkok.

He added that all details, including the obtainment of the MBT-3000 tanks, will soon be presented to the government for acknowledgement.

Thus confirming the military is not accountable to the government.

Isnt it about time to replace that old aircraft carrier?

The question is why do they need new toys? There is no real threat from Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos - they are all ASEAN countries and the border issues with Cambodia have been peacefully discussed through international bodies.

The violence in the South does not call for tanks, jet fighters or submarines but more a policial solution.

They are not overly engaged in any international engagements where latest military techonolgy is needed.

But of course tanks always do look impressive in the streets in Bangkok.

Why new toys?

“If we don’t ... purchase new weapons, then nobody will fear us.” - Prayut responding to need for a 5% military increase in the FY 2015 Budget.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/08/23/thai-a23.html

Considering they only rarely are engaged in military activity, and that is almost always gunning down pesky serfs, it may time to get the latest sniper rifles and ammunition?

Ahem, somebody actually fears Thailand? Let's see, now about that battle back in the 80's over a piece of sand in the Mekong outside Vientiane. About 24 hrs long and a rag tag "army" of Lao sent the ever so fearful Thai army running, or swiming. Hear the pitter patter of little feet, the Thai army in full retreat, or maybe full swim. Not condemning the individual soldiers. Some are real, not too sure about their "leadership". There are much better options than Chinese crap. The best aircraft they have are ancient F-16's that have not been upgraded and now can't be. And Sweden apparently won't sell them newer aircraft either because of the military government. Same for the US, which by law cannot. A-10's would fit in good over here, hell practically anywhere. Yea, go ahead and buy the Chinese crap. Like willyumiii, I'm surprised the arms makers in the US haven't found a way around the law, after all they cheat the US everyday.

The wee MBT-3000 maybe a squeezy fit for the crews!

Edited May 18, 201610 yr by BSJ

The question is why do they need new toys? There is no real threat from Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos - they are all ASEAN countries and the border issues with Cambodia have been peacefully discussed through international bodies.

The violence in the South does not call for tanks, jet fighters or submarines but more a policial solution.

They are not overly engaged in any international engagements where latest military techonolgy is needed.

But of course tanks always do look impressive in the streets in Bangkok.

50 year old M48s are good enough for that. An old co-axial machine gun is just as effective against students as a new one.

Didn't they buy some Chinese Tanks a few years ago, I'm sure I read somewhere that they ended up being dumped in the sea to form an artificial reef for the Jacques Cousteau impressionists?

For me, the most worrying thing about this statement is that it was made at all. The stocks of credibility invested in these thugs must be so low, and the trust of the populace in them so dissipated that they feel the need to assure the public of something which ought to be taken absolutely for granted.

It's quite sad really, and illustrates the depth of malaise that Thailand has fallen into. Not this year, not last year - what we see in Thailand today is the end result of a process that began with deliberate objectives decades ago. And that is a very sad indictment on people generally. In my opinion.

Winnie

ps. Has anyone else noticed that Thai people seem much less happy/content today than 3 or 4 years ago? Less spending money in their pockets too. My wife mentioned it during a trip into town today, I can't say I'd noticed, really, I try not to pay attention to most Thais in general if I can avoid it, it's too depressing, but since she mentioned it, I have to say I think she's right. Law and order appears to be breaking down, the crime rate seems to be climbing, and that marks another stage on the sorry road to failed state status.

I hope Thais can reverse the decay quickly. If they don't, then serious problems seem inevitable - it's interesting that this is what a Thai noticed and gave voice to.

Edited May 18, 201610 yr by Winniedapu

He added that all details, including the obtainment of the MBT-3000 tanks, will soon be presented to the government for acknowledgement.

Thus confirming the military is not accountable to the government.

Now if only we knew what was said in Thai as the translation is not always real accurate.

For me, the most worrying thing about this statement is that it was made at all. The stocks of credibility invested in these thugs must be so low, and the trust of the populace in them so dissipated that they feel the need to assure the public of something which ought to be taken absolutely for granted.

It's quite sad really, and illustrates the depth of malaise that Thailand has fallen into. Not this year, not last year - what we see in Thailand today is the end result of a process that began with deliberate objectives decades ago. And that is a very sad indictment on people generally. In my opinion.

Winnie

ps. Has anyone else noticed that Thai people seem much less happy/content today than 3 or 4 years ago? Less spending money in their pockets too. My wife mentioned it during a trip into town today, I can't say I'd noticed, really, I try not to pay attention to most Thais in general if I can avoid it, it's too depressing, but since she mentioned it, I have to say I think she's right. Law and order appears to be breaking down, the crime rate seems to be climbing, and that marks another stage on the sorry road to failed state status.

I hope Thais can reverse the decay quickly. If they don't, then serious problems seem inevitable - it's interesting that this is what a Thai noticed and gave voice to.

Already for years the helicopters the Army has keep falling out of the sky, especially in bad weather. Vaguely remember even Ms. Yingluck had to camped out or was late for some cabinet meeting or whatever due to lack of lights in the heli.

Would anyone like to protest these expenditures?

The scuttlebutt doing the rounds at the moment is Thailand has bought 5 tanks from china at X million dollars.

And the Ukrian has bought 5 tanks but at a cheaper price.

Anyone out there have the real numbers on this? would be rather interesting to see if the "scuttlebutt" is true or not

015-12-23

"According to the Thai media resource aagth1.blogspot.co.id, the Thai army has established a special committee for tank acquisition in order to resolve the “dead end” situation with procuring Oplot-T MBTs from Ukraine.

The committee will consider two tank types, the Russian T-90 (the T-90S and T-90MS versions) and a Chinese tank, most likely the VT4/MBT-3000. These two tanks were chosen for evaluation due to the requirement for them to be armed with a 125mm tank gun which rules out Western models. The decision is to be made in the upcoming months."

https://southfront.org/thailand-disappointed-with-ukraines-tanks/

Read somewhere China offered the MBT-3000 for US$4m a piece to Peru.

He added that all details, including the obtainment of the MBT-3000 tanks, will soon be presented to the government for acknowledgement.

Thus confirming the military is not accountable to the government.

Absolutely! The present government is definitely a separate entity to the military, isn't it?

The fact that the U.S. will not support a non elected government in Thailand has created an interesting situation for the military.

For decades, the U.S. supported and supplied Thailand with military equipment.

I got lost and ended taking a drive through the military base in Korat about a year ago and almost all of the equipment there, from tanks to trucks was from America.

With no American help since the government change, the equipment is ageing and I'm sure in need of parts for repair or replacement

This is yet one more reason for Thailand to get closer to China.

I am somewhat surprised that the American industrial/ military corporations have not tried to keep the military equipment flowing to Thailand.

After all, the war machine in America is really about money and profits for corporations.

Punishments usually apply to those that ditch you as an arms dealer

He added that all details, including the obtainment of the MBT-3000 tanks, will soon be presented to the government for acknowledgement.

Thus confirming the military is not accountable to the government.

They never were accountable. The defense budget is the only one never scrutinized in parliament. The military get its money and that's it.

Considering they only rarely are engaged in military activity, and that is almost always gunning down pesky serfs, it may time to get the latest sniper rifles and ammunition?

Yea crowd control come the uprising I guess.

Insurance policy ?

Nice Friday night Kim style pitch with footage.

Throw in the Helen Ready version of "" we are strong ...we're invincible ....sung by crew cut cadet choir and alter the Woman thing and insert Thailand and its a wrap.

Edited May 18, 201610 yr by Plutojames88

Would anyone like to protest these expenditures?

You mean apart from foreign TVF posters?

Mind you, at times the relation between Thailand and Cambodia is almost like that of Greece and Turkey and neither is not updating it's hardware.

"He added that all details, including the obtainment of the MBT-3000 tanks, will soon be presented to the government for acknowledgement."

I feel relieved! Er.... government composed of whom?

Here's a suggestion, reduce the armed forces to one half its present size, and the number of generals to one eighth. The military would still be more than sufficient for the defense needs of Thailand, some of the savings could be used to improve training and equipment, and the rest put into much needed infrastructure projects.

Oh wait...that wouldn't work unless there was a proper external auditor to make sure the savings didn't disappear into certain pockets. That's not going to happen.

The question is why do they need new toys? There is no real threat from Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos - they are all ASEAN countries and the border issues with Cambodia have been peacefully discussed through international bodies.

The violence in the South does not call for tanks, jet fighters or submarines but more a policial solution.

They are not overly engaged in any international engagements where latest military techonolgy is needed.

But of course tanks always do look impressive in the streets in Bangkok.

Why new toys?

“If we don’t ... purchase new weapons, then nobody will fear us.” - Prayut responding to need for a 5% military increase in the FY 2015 Budget.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/08/23/thai-a23.html

He has a point. If the civilian population doesn't fear the military it could result in democracy. Prayuth doesn't want to risk that happening.

The question is why do they need new toys? There is no real threat from Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia or Laos - they are all ASEAN countries and the border issues with Cambodia have been peacefully discussed through international bodies.

The violence in the South does not call for tanks, jet fighters or submarines but more a policial solution.

They are not overly engaged in any international engagements where latest military techonolgy is needed.

But of course tanks always do look impressive in the streets in Bangkok.

Why new toys?

If we dont ... purchase new weapons, then nobody will fear us. - Prayut responding to need for a 5% military increase in the FY 2015 Budget.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/08/23/thai-a23.html

He has a point. If the civilian population doesn't fear the military it could result in democracy. Prayuth doesn't want to risk that happening.

Hell no....

Well not real democracy where say Kanporn Seeta runs and wins and forms government and decides with a mandate to legislate against the army ever overthrowing the elected government again.

Measures that include paying junior soldiers to open fire on those doing so.

Hardware ensures against spirited people even thinking about creating a freedom movement.

Plus children's Day is always nicer with new toys

Edited May 19, 201610 yr by Plutojames88