The real cost of subs

I keep seeing references to the junta’s purchase of submarines and wonder why nobody in the military and the press have explained about the additional costs and infrastructure needed to deploy this type of technology. As a US Navy veteran and someone who has visited the sub base in Pearl Harbor many times I know that the cost of accommodating the submarines will far exceed the purchase price.

To use a submarine, Thailand will have to build an entirely new communication system using ELF/SLF frequencies since standard communication methods do not apply underwater. Along with this comes the environmental damage to sensitive sea creatures like whales from sonar usage causing them to beach and die. The Thai people will have to purchase new ships called sub-tenders which act as repair stations and “tow trucks” because all technology breaks down with usage. Where are the hyperbaric chambers or rescue vessels with the capacity to hold an entire submarine crew? These chambers allow sailors to be rescued when a submarine sinks and the crew has to be saved underwater. Are the Thai sailors expected to die if a submarine breaks? And they all do.

And what about storing the subs? It takes special docks and equipment that Thailand does not have to moor a vessel like this. What incidents prompted the junta to decide that the people’s money would be best spent here instead of social welfare programmes and health care? I have not heard of any submarine attacks on tourists or fishermen.

So how are the incidental costs of operating submarines being factored into the budget and Thailand 4.0? Is it fiscally prudent to buy them even if the purchase is in the military budget? DARIUS HOBER