Showing 21 - 30 of 38
The submarine deal that won't go away
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 12/05/2017
» Despite widespread public opposition, the Thai navy inked a 13.5-billion-baht contract last week for the first of what will be three Chinese submarines in an 11-year deal worth 36 billion baht. Myriad criticisms have been expressed in as many media platforms by both experts and observers alike. Yet there are four broader implications which argue against the submarine deal and warrant a mention on record.
About politics
News, Published on 06/05/2017
» Watered down reform proposals do not mean press is out of the woods yet v Sub purchase could decide if Adm Luechai wins top post, or torpedoes his chances v Witthaya Kaewparadai comeback has some Democrats in spin over Suthep return
Submarine deal has no mandate
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 30/04/2017
» Over the next 24 hours we all are going to hear the Royal Thai Navy come clean with its procurement procedure for the secretly negotiated deal to procure three submarines -- and I for one am not holding my breath to hear anything earth-shattering.
Go with the wind
News, Postbag, Published on 27/04/2017
» Re: "Krabi coal plant up in the air", (Business, April 24).
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.
Military drills helping armed forces 'achieve victory'
News, Wassana Nanuam, Published on 03/03/2016
» Under the current military regime, the armed forces have had a chance to increase their strength and capability through comprehensive exercises that aim to showcase their military might.
Their own worst enemy
News, Postbag, Published on 14/02/2016
» Re: “Army prepares to step up rocket-system technology” (BP, Feb 13).
Subs claim sinks
News, Postbag, Published on 11/08/2015
» Re: “Subs plan tests navy to sink or swim”, (BP, Aug 9) offers a balanced analysis of the Royal Thai Navy’s case for submarines. The RTN’s main “justification” — to make other countries “stand in awe” — is weak. We already have the region’s second-largest naval force, behind Indonesia and ahead of Vietnam, yet with no conflict in sight. So, who are we going to stare down?