PR drive underway, navy revives sub hopes in earnest

PR drive underway, navy revives sub hopes in earnest

The junta leaders have flat-out promised the navy it will get its three Chinese submarines, but they want to try a little harder to get some public support.
The junta leaders have flat-out promised the navy it will get its three Chinese submarines, but they want to try a little harder to get some public support.

The government's recent decision to delay a plan to purchase three submarines from China does little to dim the navy's hopes that one day they still can be theirs.

This is probably because of the navy's trust in Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon who has shown solid support for the 36-billion-baht plan.

It's the general who ordered the navy to dust off the plan that was rejected by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. Gen Prawit is known for his famous statement that "the navy cannot hope for the submarines from other governments except the junta". Observers believe the delay, as ordered by Gen Prawit, is to give the navy more time to boost public understanding about the need for the country to own submarines - specifically the S26T model -  in the hope it would be able to appease public criticism.

It is to counter arguments of those opposing the plan who insist Thailand does not have territorial conflicts at sea and the Gulf has relatively shallow water levels.

The navy now has launched a nine-page white paper on the need for submarines, claiming they will be instrumental in safeguarding maritime interests and maintaining security during maritime conflicts.

The paper also argues the Gulf of Thailand's shallow seabed, only 50 metres deep, poses no problem for the submarine operations.

Equipped with air independent propulsion technology, the Chinese subs can stay underwater for 21 days, longer than those from other countries.

With proper maintenance, the S26T model has a lifespan of 35 years.

Now the public relations drive is underway, the navy is expected to submit the purchase plan to the cabinet soon.

It is said the navy has the purchase contract ready, so it can go ahead with the purchase as soon as it gets the green light.

Assistant navy commander Adm Narongphon Na Bang Chang, head of the committee on the submarine purchase and a contender for navy commander, is said to have drafted a submarine operation plan.

The first priority is to recruit officers to become submariners and mechanics. Now the navy has only 40 submariners who have undergone training in various countries.

It needs another 150 as well as more mechanics for the new submarines which will be delivered in 2022 if cabinet gives approval this year.

Each submarine requires 38 officers and the rest reserves. These 150 officers will be sent for training in China. The navy now has a submarine squadron as well as submarine training centre, with a German-made simulator, in Chon Buri's Sattahip. What is missing is the submarine itself.

According to ADM Narongphol, it will be about 6-7 years before the submarines are in place and "by that time having submarines will no longer be unusual".

If the purchase goes ahead, Thailand will be the first country in Asean that opts for Chinese submarines.

When compared with submarines from Europe, the S26T model may appear inferior. But at 36 billion baht, it will come with a package including weapons, spare parts for eight years and training for Thai personnel. The subs' double hull type is safer than the single hull, he added.

"I will tell my officers not to look down on Chinese submarines given China's strong research and development capacity in the area of arms technology. We should no longer call them 'Chinese submarines' as they will carry the Royal Thai Navy flag," he said. 

Adm Narongphon said Thailand will not use the submarines to wage war, but other countries' perceptions are critical.

"We wanted other countries to be in awe of us and recognise our potential to take care of the sea," he said.

The admiral said Thailand and China will strengthen military cooperation. Currently, there is an annual "Blue Strike" exercise for Thai and Chinese marines, with each taking turns as host. 

He said Thailand has to remain vigilant in case the South China Sea conflicts explode. "It's up to the cabinet whether it will allow the purchase. The subs will mark a new chapter for the Royal Thai navy," he said.


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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