OPINION

Japan and Thailand mull pact on weapons transfer
By Kavi Chongkittavorn

 

BANGKOK: -- Japan is currently drafting a legal framework with Thailand to allow the future transfer of its defence equipment and technology. If that happens soon, it would represent a significant milestone in their mutual defence cooperation since the end of World War II.

 

Thailand collaborated with Japan during World War but turned around at the end of war and sided with the allied forces. Both countries are now part of the US-dominated alliance. 

 

During the Vietnam conflict, the US maintained over 100,000 troops and hundreds of aircraft in Thailand as its forward bases to counter the threat of communism.

 

After the end of the Cold War, Thailand’s strategic value was not given serious attention by the Americans and the evaluation gradually eroded the once unshakeable US-Thai alliance. The trend has been a blessing in disguise as other powers used this window to fill the vacuum.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/kavi/30306228

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-02-13

Aha, when I saw the headline I thought that they had come up with a deal to get that retired copper his pistol back!

An exchange of (hotel) artwork is also being mulled.

A pistol for a picture!
Sometimes international diplomacy is so straightforward!

I can see it now. Representatives of the respective countries agencies meet on a park bench in a neutral country. The Thai, bearing the portrait of the voluptuous carelessly dressed Japanese porn star opens the meet with the agreed phrase: "Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just pleased to see the picture, krap... "

"to allow the future transfer of its defence equipment and technology" Interesting, can't wait to see that.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Japan and Thailand mull pact on weapons transfer

 

First step would be to build a railway to Burma.....

 

"The trend has been a blessing in disguise as other powers used this window to fill the vacuum."

 

Other "powers" = China

 

The Nation "comes out".

 

 

Maybe Thailand can sell them some expensive used "Bomb detectors".

regards worgeordie

"...Thailand collaborated with Japan during World War but turned around at the end of war and sided with the allied forces..."

 

So, what's going to be different this time, especially when Thailand's new best-buddy comes a'callin for support ???