Thai Cabinet approves purchase of China sub

BANGKOK: The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Navy to buy a Yuan-class submarine from China for 13.5bil baht (RM1.71bil), a government source said.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan quietly put the proposal to Cabinet for a decision last week and instructed the Navy Commander Admiral Na Arreenich to finalise the purchasing contract with the designated Chinese manufacturer soon.

The military government had planned to purchase three Yuan-class S26T submarines at a total cost of 36bil baht (RM4.57bil).

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said earlier that Thailand had been offered a “buy two, get three” deal with China, complete with various weapons systems and aftersales services.

However, the Cabinet last week actually approved only the purchase of one submarine initially, with a budget of 13.5bil baht, including weapons systems, spare parts and tech transfer.

Government spokesman Lt-Gen Sansern Kaewkam-nerd said he had no information regarding approval of the submarine deal.

“It is part of the security agenda, which is usually considered confidential to the Cabinet.

“It would not be included in a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting,” he said.