China to transfer missile production technology
By Wassana Nanuam
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has dusted off the Thaksin Shinawatra administration's ''missiles for security'' project to turn the Defence Ministry's weapon production centre into a Weapon Production Co. Mr Samak floated the idea of missile production to ensure national security after he returned from China.
He said the military would import Chinese gunpowder for production of missiles and other ammunition.
China agreed to assist Thailand in transferring its technology for production of missiles for tanks, vessels and planes, he said.
Mr Samak and army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda returned from a four-day visit to China and a stopover in Brunei on Friday.
Upon arrival at Don Mueang military airport, the two briefly discussed the weapons project with air force chief ACM Chalit Phukpasuk.
Mr Samak, also the defence minister, said he had talked with Beijing about importing Chinese weapons for the army and air force, but did not elaborate.
He cited cordial bilateral ties for the deal China offered.
''Our cooperation has been strong, with Chinese soldiers undergoing training in Chiang Mai and Thai soldiers in Guangzhou,'' he said.
''I requested a technology transfer for all three services.''
The Weapon Production Co was first proposed during the Thaksin administration when the Lop Buri army base's weapon production centre was upgraded into the ministry's weapon production centre.
An army source said previously the military chiefly bought gunpowder from Indonesia for production of M16 bullets, with some imported from China and produced by the ministry.
The source said not all three branches were happy with the deal.
Chinese weapons might be cheap, but there are question marks over their quality, he said
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