Japanese Defense Minister meets PM to strengthen military ties

BANGKOK, 8 June 2016 (NNT) - Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has met with Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha to promote bilateral relations and regional security.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Weerachon Sukhonthapatipak, Gen. Prayut said his meeting with the Japanese Defense Minister will benefit both Thai and Japanese defense units in terms of development and cooperation.

Mr. Nakatani expressed his gratitude to Gen. Prayut for the latter's condolences towards earthquake victims in Kyushu. The Japanese Defense Minister also said that he agreed with the premier’s speech at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore, and praised Thailand’s role as a facilitator in ASEAN.

Gen. Prayut and Mr. Nakatani have affirmed that Thai and Japanese relations remain close in all aspects. Diplomatic relations between the two countries will reach its 130-year milestone next year.


-- NNT 2016-06-08

Strengthening military ties sounds great but how does it work with new best friends China at loggerheads with so many ASEAN nations ?

Who is Thailands foe?

Now, about those planes,............

One hopes all these military ties being forged by junta-head does not steer Thailand into troubled waters when those "friends" call for support.

Japan is just a couple of steps away from a shooting war with China. Just exactly how is the general going to straddle the fence on this one?

Strengthen military ties with Japan, the US ,China and Russia. The generals may have a problem when some <deleted> hits the fan.

lots of good comments about Thailand's relationship with China , and it is interesting to note that the Japanese defence Minister has been down in Singapore this past week at a special meeting of defence Ministers , top brass and trimmings, on regional security ,which included NATO ,France is now sending down a carrier to the sth china sea, with more stuff to follow., unusual that someone isn't gnashing their lips about the security hub will be Thailand and nothing has been mentioned here in TV , maybe no invite............................................... .

One hopes all these military ties being forged by junta-head does not steer Thailand into troubled waters when those "friends" call for support.

islands.jpg

Think it worries Malaysia , nearly the whole of their economy revolves around China , they have claim to 2 islands, however they keep their mouth shut , China is well known to cancel contracts very quickly if displeased, Thailand has a foot in both camps, what does Thailand do if China demands port and airports for their military and the allies request 3 subs and a squadron of F16.

Edited June 8, 201610 yr by chainarong

I believe General Prayuth Chan-Ocha is already a strong military Thai

Lets listen in on the meeting:

"...and 75 years ago we attacked the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor using aircraft carriers."

"Japan had aircraft carriers 75 years ago? With planes on them?"

"Hai."

"75 years ago?"

"Hai." The same day you surrendered to us five hours after we invaded Thailand."

"Who make plane for you?"

"Mitsubishi"

"No. Mitsubishi is Thai company. Makes pick up trucks, like Chevrolet."

Edited June 8, 201610 yr by NCC1701A

Shameful.

A democratic country doing business with an illegal and treasonous self-appointed military government.

Thailand should long remember all collaborating foreign governments and act accordingly when democracy is restored.

W

I would think that the Japanese minister sat there very bored for the duration of the meeting and had forgotten all about our illustrious leader by the next day.

I am afraid many of us are forgetting, or closing their eyes over the rising threats from China.

Looks like a warm up for more military purchases from Japan.

The US and Japan are trying to work Thailand, but the powers that be are infatuated with the Chinese regime