In blow to Beijing, Thailand delays purchase of military submarines from China

Thailand's government has decided to delay purchase of two submarines from China, withdrawing its request to parliament to include sum for an initial payment in fiscal year 2021 national budget. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri anunced on Monday that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who concurrently serves as defence minister, h told navy to delay 22.5 billion baht (USD 723 million) purchase until fiscal year 2022. government h sought to have 3.375 billion baht (USD 108 million ) included in 2021 budget to cover first of seven annual installment payments.

Funding submarines h become a hot political issue, with critics saying purchases could t be justified while country carried a huge ecomic burden from coronavirus crisis. It also threatened to create fissures in Prayuth's ruling coalition government, as a major partner threatened to oppose its inclusion in budget.

Anucha said government's decision showed that prime minister understood worries of Thai people, so money will inste be used for or purposes, such as a relief program for those who are affected by coronavirus outbreak. Thailand will soon start negotiations with China on details of delaying purchase, he said. A report on website of Bangkok Post newspaper said Beijing has alrey agreed to delay.

Thailand expects to receive its first modern submarine in 2023 as part of same deal with China. Its purchase was funded in 2017 budget. purchase delay may serve to ease pressure on Prayuth's government, which has been facing a well-organized student-led protest movement seeking to oust it from power.

protesters, who say ir goal is greater democracy, want new elections, amendments to constitution and an end to intimidation of critics of government. y charged that request to fund submarine purchases was an example of how government neglected public good in favour of expensive military projects with debatable benefits.