Thailand now wants to buy weapons from China
Since junta leader Prayut took power, relations with the United States have cooled considerably and he is seeking rapprochement with Russia and China. Army commander Chalermchai has announced that more military equipment will be bought in China from now on. The government is also considering cooperation with the Chinese for the production of weapons and other military equipment.
Thailand wants to fade out the aging US M-41 tanks that have been in service since 1957. There is a good chance that new tanks will be bought in China, but Chalermchai says that decision has not yet been made.
According to Chalermchai, Thailand wants to develop its own arms industry, China can advise on this.
The army has already signed a contract for the supply of 28 Chinese VT-4 tanks (see photo above). A further 2017 will be added in the 21 budget year. After problems with the delivery of 49 Oplot tanks from Ukraine, the army wants to buy more tanks from China. The Oplot tanks will be delivered in October 2017.
An army source says that the military top is hungry for more VT-4 tanks and then to replace the old American tanks. According to the same source, American material is high quality but too expensive. The Chinese tanks are therefore the best alternative.
The navy is expected to send its proposal for the purchase of the first Chinese submarine to the cabinet in March. There is a price tag of 12 billion baht. Two more will have to be added, but they are planned in the longer term. The navy has wanted to purchase a number of submarines for years.
Source: Bangkok Post
Who do you think poses the greatest threat to Thailand and all of SE Asia, precisely China. So where better to buy your weaponry yes in Thai logic that is also from China, well it will be nice and cheap anyway.
Relations with America have not cooled since Prayut took power in this country, but also after the previous coup in 2006. The Americans do not like military coups, unless they themselves contributed to them under the guise of restoring democracy and the freedom. In addition, there are traditionally more ties between the Thai population (certainly also in the business world) and the Chinese.
Relations between the US and Thailand were at their peak during the Vietnam War when Thailand helped America on several fronts to avert the "communist threat".