Thailand govt spends 22.5 bn baht to purchase submarines from China amid economic slump

Thailand government’s approval of purchase of two more submarines from China for 22.5 billion baht has irked citizens as country is witnessing ecomic slump due to coronavirus pandemic. deal for three submarines was me in 2017, under a 36-billion-baht contract, by military regime of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha who currently governs  Souast Asian nation.

According to local media reports, purchase of first submarine S26T is alrey complete and will be commissioned in Royal Thai Navy in 2024. Pheu Thai Party lawmaker Yutthapong Jarassathian reportedly said that re is obligation on government to commit to or two purchases since it wasn’t a genuine government-to-government deal. 

Jarassathian told Bangkok Post that deal was signed by navy chief m Luechai Ruddit, claiming that he h authority to represent government. He furr said that only a Prime Minister or a Foreign Minister can provide legality to such deals or in some cases Defense Minister if he or she has been given authority.

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Jarassathian, also deputy chairman of subcommittee under House committee on durable product items, state enterprises, ICT equipment, and revolving funds, said that massive amount spent on submarine procurement could have been used to help unemployed families and poor people affected by pandemic.

China received a big chunk

Thai government was isolated by European allies after 2014 coup by military junta, giving an opportunity to China to receive a big chunk of Thailand’s military budget. After 2015, Chinese companies received orders to supply tanks, armoured vehicles, and submarines to Thailand’s junta, a study by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found.

Royal Thai Navy has defended controversial procurement of two submarines during an ecomic crisis. Navy chief of staff m Sittiporn Maskasem told a press briefing on August 24 that two more submarines have been purchased as part of its defence strategy, condemning “political attempts” to use issue for attacking government.

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(With ANI inputs)