A military shopping spree without a point

[webfact]

OPINION

A military shopping spree without a point

By The Nation

 

At risk to the economy, the junta-led government is decorating fortress THailand with mismatched weaponry

 

BANGKOK: -- The government keeps defending it costly purchases of military hardware as being necessary for national security, and yet no one in the top brass seems to know whether the shaky Thai economy can absorb the outlay. And none of the generals can offer assurance that the new weaponry will be put to optimal use.

 

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Bt8.8-billion purchase of eight 

 

T-50 Golden Eagle training jet-fighters from a South Korean company. The deal pushes total spending on military gear since the junta seized power in 2014 past Bt72 billion. 

 

The defence budget has never stopped growing in three years.

 

What exactly is the government’s intention in shopping as if war were imminent? In February it launched a 10-year military-development programme to address perceived major challenges to the country, including non-traditional security threats like the insurgency in the South. “Modernisation Plan: Vision 2026” has three objectives. It aims to improve military preparedness and capabilities and to modernise the structure on which national security depends.

 

But specialists in security matters point out that the plan specifies no required military assets or capabilities. It contains only an outline for Thailand to increase defence spending from the existing 1.4 per cent of gross domestic product to 2 per cent by the end of the decade.

 

Defence Ministry spokesperson Kongcheep Tantrawanit has said the modernisation plan does take into account both possible future scenarios – a healthy economy and a constrained budget. That seems sensible, but military spending in recent years has not reflected the economy’s current dire condition, with average annual GDP growth at just 3 per cent.

 

Even as government officials insist the economy is recovering, the realities of daily life suggest otherwise, with millions of 

citizens struggling to make ends meet.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has pointed out that all government agencies, not just the military, receive budget allocations proportionate to the needs of national development. Farmers have been assisted with tens of billions of baht, he noted. Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who as Defence Minister keeps the military shopping list in his pocket, has claimed that every overseas weapons purchase is fully transparent, since they are all government-to-government deals.

 

They are not transparent, however. The top brass refuses to let anyone outside the military scrutinise its procurements, despite the national budget coming straight from the taxpayer. Prawit’s talk of trustworthy government-to-government deals in fact guarantees nothing.  

 

Since coming to power, this regime has approved the procurement of 38 tanks, 34 armoured personnel carriers, 10 helicopters, 10 offshore patrol vessels, 12 fighter jets and one submarine. It claims most of these are replacements for old gear.

 

But we’ve seen tanks chronically under-utilised and helicopters incapable of meeting full expectations due to poor quality. Two AW139 helicopters bought from Italy in 2014 were used for just one year because the contractors provided no spare parts to keep them flying.

 

Another important factor in this discussion is that the Thai military isn’t “synchronising” its arsenal. We basically buy hardware from various sources with no cohesive plan for their combined use.

 

The big purchases lately – tanks and the submarine from China and Black Hawk helicopters and Harpoon Block II missiles from America – aren’t necessarily compatible.

 

More often, though, the problem is simpler – a lack of spare parts or a lack of personnel sufficiently trained to use the gear.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30320704

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-14

[Samui Bodoh]

29 minutes ago, webfact said:

A military shopping spree without a point

 

The point is that they have the power. 

 

The point is to keep all the different factions of the military happy.

 

The point is to use up any excess monies so future gov'ts can't use them.

 

The point is to try and look good with shiny toys.

 

Okay, there really is no point; they spend all the money because they can.

[leeneeds]

Where are the threats? that need such amounts of money spent, So much good could be done for the people with their own money, 222.4 billion baht budget next year,

 are  we are in a bull market ? No extra  spending on education, health, pensions, I fail to understand the lack of forward progressive and  encompassing society thinking,

another wasted opportunity to be  true leaders of the people,

( image is 1 billion dollars ,)

[leeneeds]

12 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

 

The point is that they have the power. 

 

The point is to keep all the different factions of the military happy.

 

The point is to use up any excess monies so future gov'ts can't use them.

 

The point is to try and look good with shiny toys.

 

Okay, there really is no point; they spend all the money because they can.

"The point is to use up any excess monies so future gov'ts can't use them."

 

No excess here, borrowed in favorable terms just ask the Chinese

[Cadbury]

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

A military shopping spree without a point

But there is a point. I suggest it is all part of the master plan for the complete transition of Thailand from a democracy to a militaristic society. Militaristic societies are ones which place great emphasis on having large military forces which are glorified as being the nation's most important institution.

Presently Thailand is No. 36 out of 152 on the GMI (Global Militarisation Index) and needs to position itself higher on the ladder for the sake of public and international appearances. 

There is also the matter of military egos needing stroking and what better way to do that than splurge taxpayers money on unnecessary military equipment. But perhaps in their opinion APC's may be needed for internal security.

Footnote:

The Global Militarization Index (GMI) depicts the relative weight and importance of the military apparatus of one state in relation to its society as a whole. For this, the GMI uses a number of indicators to represent the degree of militarization of a country.

        .   comparison of military expenditure with its gross domestic product (GDP);

• comparison of military expenditure with its health expenditure;
• contrast between the total number of (para)military forces with the number of physicians, and the overall population;
• ratio of the number of heavy weapons available and the overall population.

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

   

Edited July 13, 2017 by Cadbury

[Enoon]

12 minutes ago, Cadbury said:

But there is a point. I suggest it is all part of the master plan for the complete transition of Thailand from a democracy to a militaristic society. Militaristic societies are ones which place great emphasis on having large military forces which are glorified as being the nation's most important institution.

Presently Thailand is No. 36 out of 152 on the GMI (Global Militarisation Index) and needs to position itself higher on the ladder for the sake of public and international appearances. 

There is also the matter of military egos needing stroking and what better way to do that than splurge taxpayers money on unnecessary military equipment. But perhaps in their opinion APC's may be needed for internal security.

Footnote:

The Global Militarization Index (GMI) depicts the relative weight and importance of the military apparatus of one state in relation to its society as a whole. For this, the GMI uses a number of indicators to represent the degree of militarization of a country.

        .   comparison of military expenditure with its gross domestic product (GDP);

• comparison of military expenditure with its health expenditure;
• contrast between the total number of (para)military forces with the number of physicians, and the overall population;
• ratio of the number of heavy weapons available and the overall population.

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

   

 

It is an interesting read.

 

Especially the entry for Iceland.

 

The more I find out about Iceland the more it rises in my estimation.

 

Still a bit cold and dark though.

 

 

[yellowboat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

a lack of personnel sufficiently trained to use the gear.

It looks like the boys loose interest in the toys when the toys need to be fixed or operated effectively. 

 

The article points out over spending on things that do not work together.  Today, all these weapons are very advanced and communicate with targeting and monitoring systems.   Are Chinese, South Korean and US weapon systems going to talk to each other ? No. 

[debate101]

I wouldn't read too much into it or try to discern a larger pattern.  Money in the pockets of patrons is all the rationale needed, which explains why new acquisitions typically fall into disrepair so quickly--because their use was never the point.

[LazySlipper]

Maybe the GVT knows something we don't?

 

I heard aliens were going to invade Thailand without the proper visas... hehehe

[baboon]

1 hour ago, yellowboat said:

It looks like the boys loose interest in the toys when the toys need to be fixed or operated effectively. 

 

The article points out over spending on things that do not work together.  Today, all these weapons are very advanced and communicate with targeting and monitoring systems.   Are Chinese, South Korean and US weapon systems going to talk to each other ? No. 

No need to worry about losing interest or stuff breaking when you hold the keys to the toyshop. Just go back whenever you fancy and help yourself once again...

[ChrisY1]

The RTA have  one of the most mismatched weaponry globally....quite simple to check it out.

This usually means that corruption has taken a big hold and the generals really don't worry too much where the equipment originates....even less concerned with spare parts....but then there's commissions in those purchases also.

A quick Wiki. search indicates the crazy numbers of different aircraft....all requiring parts, servicing and expertise. Some aircraft are grounded due to parts availability or sheer laziness.

As for army equipment....APCs, tanks, and etc....many of differing makes...money for schools, medical and health care for millions, infrastructure.....all put aside for commissions!

[robblok]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

The RTA have  one of the most mismatched weaponry globally....quite simple to check it out.

This usually means that corruption has taken a big hold and the generals really don't worry too much where the equipment originates....even less concerned with spare parts....but then there's commissions in those purchases also.

A quick Wiki. search indicates the crazy numbers of different aircraft....all requiring parts, servicing and expertise. Some aircraft are grounded due to parts availability or sheer laziness.

As for army equipment....APCs, tanks, and etc....many of differing makes...money for schools, medical and health care for millions, infrastructure.....all put aside for commissions!

Prayut is doing a good job trying to root out corruption in other places.. now let him do so in his own back yard. Too bad he wont.. he shown that by not going after his brother and nephew. I also find the idea of going from 1,4% of GDP to 2% crazy. Should stay at 1,4% or lower then only when the economy benefits do the generals benefit. 

[toybits]

Oh?  Hmmmm... THERE IS A POINT. We just cannot write about it here.

[tracker1]

And when buisness is done Government to Government all is good the people don't need to know what goes on ! but plenty can guess !!!

[Eric Loh]

Massive increase in military spending since taking power from an elected government from 192.9 B in 2015 to 224 B for 2018. While many countries slash their military spending and spend more for education, Thailand gone the other way. Education ministry got 1.6% cut for next year budget from 519.29B for fiscal 2017 to 510.96 B. Defense spending up nearly 21% since 2014 coup while education spending just grew 6.15%. The military will not get this kind of arbitrary extravagance spending under elected government. The NLA should look into a law to force all military generals to declare their assets. I bet you find lots of unusual wealth not commensurate with their salary.  

[Chris Lawrence]

And they can't be touched after they leave office. Or could they?

[55Jay]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

But we’ve seen tanks chronically under-utilised

Not really.  Thailand has probably used their tanks more than most countries.  

And, they are really cool displays at the annual Children's Day.

 

Edited July 14, 2017 by 55Jay

[Ulic]

I thought they were getting a special deal on the submarines, a three for the price of two deal

from the Chinese.

[Eric Loh]

10 minutes ago, Chris Lawrence said:

And they can't be touched after they leave office. Or could they?

Depend on whether they stay and align with the power faction. You will remain untouchable and will be rewarded with plum jobs when they stage the next coup. Stay out and with the opposition, they and their crony corruption agencies will be all over you. 

[nong38]

Who is going to attack Thailand and who are Thailand going to attack? Answer no one. I see no threats apart from terrorists so new subs and fighters should be useful there.

If they really cared they would sort out the things that need to be done to benefit Thailand like the infrastructure, education, the looming problem of the ageing population and how to deal with it.

Its all about priorities and sadly if the military are in power they the country comes second and looks to stay that way for the forseeable future.

[YetAnother]

5 hours ago, Cadbury said:

all part of the master plan for the complete transition of Thailand from a democracy to a militaristic society.

yet present a democratic facade to the international community (that they all see right thru)

[Pridilives]

Need more gun for shoot Thai people when they come street for complain army government steal too much

[NCC1701A]

Thailand needs a modern coast guard for patrolling fishing areas and search and rescue , a "national guard" to help in disasters, some Army to patrol the borders, look for smugglers and deal with the problem down south and that is about it.  

 

they need to spend money on flood control, weather prediction, a modern helicopter fleet for medical transport.

 

and no say in anything political.

sorry I got carried away.

 

[heybruce]

An excellent article.  My favorite paragraph is:

 

" They are not transparent, however. The top brass refuses to let anyone outside the military scrutinise its procurements, despite the national budget coming straight from the taxpayer. Prawit’s talk of trustworthy government-to-government deals in fact guarantees nothing. "

 

As many of us have been saying from the beginning, transparency, reform, and eliminating corruption will never apply to the military.

 

But I'm sure those submarines will be really useful in fighting the southern insurgency. (sarcasm, for those who can't recognize it.) 

[titanio82]

As from an economic point of view, and how it will affect the exchange rate of the Thai Baht, I cannot complain....... back to 50 in a Euro, the sooner the better

Edited July 14, 2017 by titanio82

[robblok]

2 hours ago, heybruce said:

An excellent article.  My favorite paragraph is:

 

" They are not transparent, however. The top brass refuses to let anyone outside the military scrutinise its procurements, despite the national budget coming straight from the taxpayer. Prawit’s talk of trustworthy government-to-government deals in fact guarantees nothing. "

 

As many of us have been saying from the beginning, transparency, reform, and eliminating corruption will never apply to the military.

 

But I'm sure those submarines will be really useful in fighting the southern insurgency. (sarcasm, for those who can't recognize it.) 

But they are you unbeliever... i mean just imagine the shock on the faces of those insurgents when their lil boat is torpedoed by one of these mighty subs.. that would teach them.. they are perfect for that to silently stalk insurgents in shallow water.. they will never be noticed. Its the best purchase they ever did.

[observer90210]

to the global arms trade racket !!

 

A Thai version of Nicolas Cage in the Lord of War?

Edited July 14, 2017 by observer90210

[heybruce]

24 minutes ago, robblok said:

But they are you unbeliever... i mean just imagine the shock on the faces of those insurgents when their lil boat is torpedoed by one of these mighty subs.. that would teach them.. they are perfect for that to silently stalk insurgents in shallow water.. they will never be noticed. Its the best purchase they ever did.

I hope that's a joke.

[robblok]

4 minutes ago, heybruce said:

I hope that's a joke.

Thought it would be clear it was a joke as one of the big problems with the subs were that they can't really operate well in shallow water plus that I have always been against the purchase of these subs. Fast surface patrol ships to combat illegal fishing would have been a much better purchase. 

[Pridilives]

23 minutes ago, robblok said:

Thought it would be clear it was a joke as one of the big problems with the subs were that they can't really operate well in shallow water plus that I have always been against the purchase of these subs. Fast surface patrol ships to combat illegal fishing would have been a much better purchase. 

Why fast surface patrol ships when medicine and doctor better to spend money for