Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Sinking reputation
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/04/2024
» The outcome of the Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) internal investigation into the sinking of the HTMS Sukhothai may draw the final curtain on one of the country's worst maritime tragedies.
A lesson in geopolitics
News, Editorial, Published on 29/01/2024
» The hiccup in the planned salvage operations for the US-built HTMS Sukhothai of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) serves as a stark lesson for Thailand. It underscores the need for greater prudence in navigating security issues, especially amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and power struggles among superpowers.
Don’t rush sub deal
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/02/2023
» As the current government’s term will soon end, it’s bewildering to see how the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is apparently speeding up its decision-making process on whether it will continue with a highly questionable submarine procurement from China.
Sunken trust in navy
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/12/2022
» The sinking of the HTMS Sukhothai was a shocking tragedy that has left Thai society greatly dismayed. Having faithfully served the nation for almost 36 years, withstanding rough seas and journeying as far afield as Australia, the well-maintained corvette sunk in tumultuous waters on Sunday, not far from the coast of Bang Saphan district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Time to step into sub deal
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/11/2022
» The government should have stepped in when a party contracted by the state failed to meet its obligations.
Weapons buys need scrutiny
News, Editorial, Published on 21/09/2017
» The 340-million-baht airship saga brings to light serious problems regarding the weapons acquisition process and the need to make it more accountable.
OAG fails public on subs
News, Editorial, Published on 25/05/2017
» The decision of the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) earlier this week to endorse the Royal Thai Navy's controversial submarine procurement project came as a major disappointment.
Credibility lost over sub
News, Editorial, Published on 26/04/2017
» The handling of the purchase of submarines from China was extremely distasteful. By refusing even to tell the country what it was doing, the cabinet has raised several questions and reduced its credibility. The arrogant and unnecessary argument that "the public doesn't have to know everything" about cabinet proceedings is insulting.
The 'cheap' submarine deal
News, Editorial, Published on 02/04/2017
» The Prayut Chan-o-cha government is tipped to go ahead with its controversial submarine purchase after long delays.
Sink the sub proposal
News, Editorial, Published on 05/07/2016
» The Royal Thai Navy is once again pressing to buy three submarines from China. The defence minister, not at all surprisingly, supports this new military upgrade. It would be a terrible mistake and misuse of 36 billion baht, or possibly more, of the public's money. Realistically, the only thing preventing an almost instant purchase is Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He has put off this scheme before, and should do so again, but more forcefully.