Navy's B36bn sub purchase plan firms up

Navy's B36bn sub purchase plan firms up

Within a matter of weeks, the navy will know if its dreams of having submarines of its own will become a reality.

A source in the navy said a committee working on a plan to buy submarines has finalised its option - it's likely to go for the Chinese-made submarines - and will submit the proposal to the cabinet for approval next month.

This is the navy's second bid under the leadership of Adm Kraisorn Jansuwanit to gain the nod for its submarine plan.

The first attempt, in April, was aborted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha who ordered the navy to conduct more studies.

Initially, Gen Prayut's decision disheartened the navy. But Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who had encouraged the navy to dust off the plan after it was rejected by the Yingluck government in 2011, maintained his support. That kept the navy's hopes alive.

Gen Prawit reportedly told the navy that if it could not get the submarines when a junta government is in power, "there would be no chance of getting them at all".

Gen Prayut said the navy needed to conduct a comprehensive study of the plan because, given the size of the budget, an impressive 36 billion baht, it had to be able to answer every question posed by the public.

A navy officer looks at a submarine training programme on a computer screen at the Royal Thai Navy's Submarine Squadron at Sattahip naval base in Chon Buri. Thiti Wannamontha

The government gave a generous 200 million baht to the navy for the study. The committee members have visited the six countries that showed an interest in manufacturing the submarines for Thailand, namely China, South Korea, Russia, France, Germany and Sweden. 

Navy commander Adm Kraison transferred Adm Narongpol Na Bangchang, an expert on submarines, from the Royal Thai Armed Forces back to the navy to work on the proposal.

The transfer of such a senior officer in a mid-year reshuffle is rare. It cast the spotlight on Adm Narongpol as many believe the officer, who is now assistant to the navy commander, may emerge as a candidate for the top navy job in the next transfer that will take place in September.

Some say the decision to go for the Chinese submarines is driven partly by the junta government's desire to forge closer relations with Beijing following the May 22 coup that spurred Western countries including the US to give the cold shoulder to Thailand.

Cabinet ministers, including Gen Prawit and senior army men, have exchanged visits with their Chinese counterparts.

China says it wants to strengthen military ties with Thailand, with regular military exercises, as well as arms deals and other military assistance.

The 36-billion-baht budget covers two submarines, as well as maintenance and training of the navy's personnel. Some reports say China has offered special, undisclosed packages to win the deal.

Sources in the navy said there are two short-listed countries. China is the No.1 option, followed by South Korea.

Adm Narongpol, who spoke in his capacity as head of the navy committee, said the purchase would be good for the national economy.

Another source in the navy dismissed concerns that Chinese-made submarines may not be reliable.

"We choose the best for the country. The submarines we buy must be suitable. We are concerned about the safety of our men. The committee's reputation will suffer if it makes the wrong choice," said a panel source.

A committee member who declined to be named said the Chinese-made subs are the cheapest and good quality.

He insisted the committee looked at the whole package in making its decision as China also offered military technology transfer and training. Other countries would charge more for a similar package.

"We should not look down on Chinese submarines," a committee member said, adding China has made progress in arms research and development.

He likened the submarine deal to car buying. "If we are able to buy a Mercedes but have no money left for petrol, we should look at a top model Toyota instead, which would still leave some money for petrol."

Despite doubts about the country's need for submarines, authorities insist the navy needs to strengthen its capacity to deal with maritime threats in this region and other issues that need naval protection, including the advent of the Asean Economic Community, the Dawei deep-sea port project, and the South China Sea disputes.

"This will change the face of the navy which will upgrade its performance in line with international standards," said the source. 

If the chosen submarines are from China, navy personnel are likely to join military exercises with the Chinese navy to improve their skills. This will add to the traditional naval exercises which the navy already holds with the US.

In time, Prime Minister Prayut will decide if the navy can fulfil its 36-billion-baht dreams.


Wassana Nanuam is a senior news reporter covering military affairs for the Bangkok Post. 

Wassana Nanuam

Senior news reporter

Wassana Nanuam is a senior news reporter covering military affairs for the Bangkok Post.

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