Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon insisted yesterday a weapons purchase programme was not on the agenda for the prime minister's planned trip to the United States next month.
Speculation that Thailand might purchase military hardware from the US was high after Defence Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich said on Monday the armed forces were being asked to compile information about US-made weapons and equipment as part of preparatory work ahead of the visit.
Gen Prawit told military leaders to compile information on Thai-US military cooperation ranging from education to military training to weapons exchanges prior to the premier's trip. He did note US military hardware is costly. Gen Prawit believes Washington would understand Thailand's financial needs in its recent purchase of weapons and other equipment from China.
He said it was premature to discuss US military aid, adding Thailand has never received any preferential treatment when buying weaponry from the US.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the visit is being discussed by the Foreign Ministry and the US State Department. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the premier's trip was still uncertain as both leaders are busy.
Gen Prawit also allayed concerns over Thailand's performance in a new US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report out last night. He said the government did its best to address the flaws while Gen Prayut said the government was committed to solving the problems.