By TV Channel 7, Naewna newspapepr and Thai Newsroom Reporters
NEWLY-APPOINTED Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said upon bidding farewell to the Defence Ministry today (July 2) that he has approved the navy’s long-delayed plan to buy a Chinese-built S26T submarine with this now to be tabled to the cabinet for final approval.
On hand to receive him was Deputy Defence Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkhanit who is standing in as acting minister as this seat was left vacant in the new cabinet lineup. Oath-taking rituals in a royal audience is to take place tomorrow (July 3).
Phumtham, who is viewed as de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra’s right-hand man, said the submarine purchase plan has to go through the Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs and he approved it on Monday (June 30) before moving to the Interior Ministry.
The navy’s plan to buy the 12.4-billion-baht Yuan-class S26T submarine, a derivative of Russia’s Kilo-class sub, from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International with a Chinese-made engine to be installed aboard in place of a German engine has hit snags over the last several years.
Some navy admirals had earlier pushed for the replacement of the German-made MTU396 engine with the Chinese-made CHD620 engine despite the fact that the Chinese one has never been used by any world navies, including the Chinese navy.
Among other European Union member states, Germany had practically boycotted export of weapon systems and military hardware to China.
However, Phumtham said he had not signed approval for the purchase of a squadron of Saab JAS 39E jet fighters with the new defence minister having to go through the purchase plan.
The air force had evaluated the purchase of either the Swedish-built JAS 39E Gripen fighters or the US-built F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon jets and given more points to the former.
Regarding the defence minister portfolio being left vacant, Phumtham said this is not something the government wants to talk about. At the same time while this key ministry was previously under Pheu Thai Party it is not essential that this be the case with the important factor being that the new defence minister be capable and can have good relations with the various branches of the armed forces.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai bidding farewell at the Defence Ministry. Photos: Naewna
First insert: Chinese-built S26T submarine. Photo/en.people.cn and published by China Daily
Second insert: Saab JAS 39E fighter jet. Photo: Thai Rath
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Admirals on edge over political factor in Chinese submarine project
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Feature: Thai air force’s fighter choices – why pay more?
