Thailand May Prefer Frigates to Chinese Submarines

Thailand looks likely to scuttle plans to buy Chinese submarines and instead purchase frigate armed with the latest weaponry.

Indications that there is a change of plans in Bangkok came from a statement by newly appointed Royal Thai Navy Chief, Admiral Na Areenij. The navy would propose an ‘alternative’ if the submarine plan was stalled or cancelled, he said without elaborating.

However, Bangkok Post reported quoting various sources that the alternative would be well-armed frigates. These would serve as deterrence against piracy, foreign fishing trawlers and people smugglers besides projecting Thailand’s naval might among its neighbors.

Admiral Na in an interview to Bangkok Post on his assuming office said that submarines are a necessary capability but the acquisition plans may be hit but the Thai economy which was in a downturn.  "We have to build opportunity from crisis. The navy will look to improving its knowledge, expertise and tactics. We have to increase the capability of our units under budget constraints. We may run short of funds, but we still can make improvements," Adm Na said.

The Thai Navy’s acquisition council had approved a 36 billion Bhat (US$989 million) plan to buy two submarines but has not yet sent the proposal to the cabinet for approval amidst stiff opposition to the plan from citizens and experts.

If Thailand were to buy frigates instead of submarines, it is unclear whom they might buy it from. While Bangkok prefers western arms, it finds the price of Chinese weapons attractive and had selected the Chinese submarines purely on cost.