Thai Navy: Submersibles are needed to protect our seas
The Thai Navy has explained in a nine-page white paper statement why there is a need to buy submarines. There is a lot of criticism among the Thai people about the choice to spend 36 billion baht for the purchase of three Chinese submarines.
The white paper, commissioned by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, appears to be an attempt to sway public opinion. This is necessary because there is little support for the government's choice to purchase three Chinese-made S26T submarines. Critics say Thailand is not affected by maritime threats, there are no territorial conflicts at sea and the Gulf of Thailand has relatively shallow water and is therefore not suitable for submarines.
Nevertheless, the navy believes that the submarines are necessary to protect Thailand's maritime interests. Thailand does not have to be directly involved in a conflict itself, but there are already conflicts elsewhere that could also affect Thailand, such as the dispute in the South China Sea between China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. This could affect Thai trade interests and maritime transport. Thailand must be ready for that, says Admiral Narongphon. In addition, Thailand lags behind other countries in the region. Singapore and Vietnam already have four each, Indonesia has two and Malaysia has two. Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia also have more submarines on order.
A new "territorial fence" must be put around Thailand and the submarines have an important role to play in this. For example, the 15.000 ships that sail through the Gulf of Thailand every year must be protected. And, the Navy's statement said, even if Thailand buys the submarines this year, it will still be between seven and 10 years before they are fully operational.
The choice of Chinese submarines is based on the capabilities of the ships, technology, training, warranty and delivery time. The annual maintenance costs are 3 to 5 billion baht.
The navy is fighting criticism that the Gulf of Thailand, at 50 meters, is too shallow for submarines. US nuclear-powered submarines regularly participate in military exercises in the Gulf alongside the Thai navy. The navy also points out that Thailand already had four submarines from 1938 to 1951.
Source: Bangkok Post – http://goo.gl/4qPUE6
Thai logic. The neighbors have a submarine, so do we. The neighbors have a thriving 7/11 down the street, so the neighbors are also opening 1, or a FamiliyMarket.
If the surrounding countries buy subs, then as a right-thinking strategist you take care of anti-submarine warfare vessels and/or aircraft.
And if China is actually the only really aggressive country in the region, where don't you buy your full pack of remote control electronics? Precisely.
It would make a big difference if they put the resources for those subs into better education, especially in rural areas. then hopefully we won't have to smile like that in a generation or 2 when Thai logic rears its head.
I'm afraid these subs are heading in the same direction as the aircraft carrier. No planes, let alone Thai pilots who could land on them.
Funding for education in rural areas is not enough for the elite of Thailand. And it is certainly not to be used as a toy for the naval leadership on a subsequent trip.
The interests of the Thai taxpayer…. no Thai politician has ever been interested in that.
Order submarines from the Chinese, while the Chinese order submarines themselves in Russia and/or Germany? Who doesn't quite track?
And how long will it take to get qualified crew? Invest the money in infrastructure (no!!!! not HSL) and training.