BANGKOK: According to Thailand’s defense minister, the Chinese company was unable to contain a European motor as required by the original agreement, so the Thai government may instead purchase from that country an American frigate.
For the purchase of one of three Yuan Class S26T submarines with German-made diesel engines, Thailand has already paid China a 7 billion( US$ 193.7 million ) instalment. However, the deal was postponed when Germany forbade the use of its engines for Chinese military exports.
China has suggested replacing European vehicles with Chinese-made components, but several rounds of negotiations were fruitless.
During Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to Beijing for the Belt and Road Summit last week, the new Thai authorities, which was sworn in last quarter following a May general election, said it had suggested that it wants to invest in frigates rather than submarines.
Sutin Klungsang, the defense minister, said to a local media outlet on Tuesday( Oct 24) that” We have proposed to China and they are considering it.”
Next month, Sutin promised, the new program may be discussed in more detail.
The purchasing of the submarine will be put on hold for the time being and profile” when the country is prepared ,” the defense minister announced last week.
The first of the three submarines will be purchased by the previous government for$ 13.5 billion( US$ 373.55 million ) in 2017.
A parliamentary committee initially approved the order for the other two subs for 22.5 billion ( US$ 622.58 million ) in 2020.
The foe and detractors have questioned whether the Chinese underwater offer was in the open interest and whether submarines were required for security, which has led to public condemnation of the previous administration.
The army has stated that purchasing submarines is essential to Thailand’s long-term defense pursuits.