Thai navy defends purchase of Chinese submarine, vows transparency

Thailand’s navy on Monday defended a plan to buy a submarine from China, saying the deal is in the country’s best interests, while reaffirming its transparency.

Thailand’s cabinet approved last week a deal to buy a submarine from China for 13.5 billion baht ($ 390 million). However, some politicians have accused the government of mismanaging priorities at a time of economic downturn.

Much of the information being disseminated on social media is distorted and inaccurate, Royal Thai Navy Chief of Staff Adm Luechai Ruddit said at a press conference on Monday, adding that buying a submarine is nothing new as it has been on the agenda of many past administrations, the National News Bureau of Thailand ( NNT) reported.

To assure the public that the submarine will be obtained for the right purpose, Luechai said thorough studies have been conducted and have confirmed the suitability of the Yuan- class S26T submarine.

Thai defense minister Prawit Wongsuwon said last week that the submarine will be delivered within the next six years, with two more expected over the next decade, AFP reported.

Luechai also insisted that proper procedures to guarantee the purchase’s transparency and traceability.

Citing data from the Naval Secretariat, Luechai explained that the S26T submarine has many advantages over others, according to NNT.

Luechai explained that the submarine is equipped with a much more efficient stealth mode as it uses the air independent propulsion system that allows the vessel to stay under water for a longer period of time. It also comes with more diverse weaponry and small compart- ments that can prevent the ship from sinking in case of leakage.

“We chose Chinese- built submarines because they are the cheapest compared to other countries’ offers,” said Prawit.

Luechai also said they are preparing for the arrival of the new submarine, including the construction of related facilities and giving officers overseas training.