With the first Chinese submarine not yet delivered to Thailand but already making headlines, the army has decided to request funds to buy 34 armored vehicles and 11 battle tanks from China as well.
The vehicles will cost THB2 billion while the request for purchase of the VT-4 battle tanks has not yet been made but will be soon.
It’s not that much when compared with the cash the Royal Thai Navy is laying out for the country’s first S26T submarine worth THB13.5 billion — a seafaring vehicle that many critics say the country doesn’t need since it’s not engaged in active maritime disputes.
Army Commander Chalermchai Sitthisat announced that the army has already asked for the funds for the armored cars from the Defense Ministry. If they approve the purchase, it will go on to the cabinet.
The army already has about 200 Ukraine-produced armored vehicles in use. These would be the first Chinese products in their fleet.
Gen. Chalermchai specifically requested Chinese vehicles over Russian or Ukraine products. This is thought to be part of an initiative that seems to be aimed at improving Thai-Chinese relations.
The Defense Ministry also announced that they plan to erect a facility that will make Chinese weapons in Thailand.
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