Thai army buys Russian helicopters and Chinese tanks
The army in Thailand has its eye on new transport helicopters and tanks. Since relations with the United States have cooled considerably, the US wants Thailand to return to a democracy, the toys of the Thai army are mainly bought in China and Russia.
Prime Minister Prayut took the army's wish list with him when he went to Russia where he will stay until Saturday for the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit which starts in Sochi on Thursday. A bilateral meeting will also be held to strengthen relations between the two countries. 2017 marks 120 years since Thailand and Russia established diplomatic relations.
The generals' wish list includes twelve Russian Mi-17V5 helicopters (see photo). These are to replace American CH-47 Chinook helicopters. They are deployed in disaster relief and troop movements. We are waiting for permission from the cabinet. There is a price tag of 800 million baht per device.
The army also buys Chinese VT4 tanks. According to an army commission, the price-quality ratio is good, says army commander Teerachai, who traveled to China to view the war equipment.
Chaiwat Khamchoo, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, says Prayut's visit to Russia has nothing to do with the pressure the US has been exerting on Thailand since the coup. Thailand has to buy military equipment from China and Russia because Western countries have limited their relationship with Thailand.
Source: Bangkok Post
Thailand will undoubtedly be 'matured', perhaps buying on credit what seems attractive (short-term vision and strategically not smart), causing Russia and China to 'claim' favors later. Perhaps asking whether they can build and use an airport or a seaport for military purposes? A one-sided 'favour' never remains 'one-sided'! there is always a next (invisible) price tag attached to it.
Hello Rien, how many "favors" have the Americans asked for their disastrous Vietnam War.
The Americans (rightly) have questions about democracy in Thailand, but they remain happy to sell their weapons to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Emeriat...these are democratic countries? And what about their relations
With China? The US uses double standards, close their eyes when it's good for their economy.
Pure speculation on your part Rien, you can't just say something like that.
I had already read something about it somewhere. Russia will have to import a lot of rubber from Thailand. And I don't know what China will do.
instead of buying helicopters and tanks they should invest in agricultural machines and machines for cleaning the streets.
not only cleaning but also repairing. Here in the last two weeks with the enormous heat, many streets have cracked and are very unsafe, but yes, prestige on war material is number 1. Jan with the cap should just die in an accident on these streets, and some dare to say that the streets are like a billiard table. but not life-threatening in Ayutthaya