[Bangkok] Submarine purchase plan to be refloated [-Bangkok using Cambodia as an excuse to buy submarines???]

25/01/2012
Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

He warned Cambodia may well obtain submarines before Thailand as it can rely on its alliances with "superpowers".

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat yesterday vowed to re-examine the navy's plan to buy submarines.

On his first day in office at the Defence Ministry, ACM Sukumpol said he would continue to push for the implementation of incomplete plans and projects, including the submarine purchase.

"We will look at it. The navy must explain to the public why the submarine purchase is an appropriate project," ACM Sukumpol said. The minister also told navy chief Adm Surasak Roonroengrom to clarify details of the submarine project to the cabinet and the public.

The navy had planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany.

Cambodian Army’s border chief visits Sattahip Naval Base [in Thailand]

High ranking entourages from both the Thai and Cambodian armed forces pose for a friendly group photo.

Friday, 02 December 2011
By Patcharapol Panrak
Pattaya Mail

The Cambodian Army’s regional commander and 15 Khmer soldiers visited Royal Thai Navy forces in Sattahip in an effort to strength military ties between the two nations.

Lt. Gen. Bun Seng, who heads Cambodia’s western 5th Sector, called on Royal Thai Marines commander Vice. Adm. Pongsak Puriroj at the marines headquarters Nov. 24.

Pongsak, who represents the navy in regional border-cooperation talks, and his counterpart discussed the launch of joint patrols in the Chantaburi and Trat regions.

Seng expressed his condolences over the lives lost in Thailand’s flood crisis and Pongsak said the visit helped to bring forces from both sides closer and create more cooperation.

[Thai] Navy's costly sub dream needs a lot of explaining

April 5, 2011
By Avudh Panananda
The Nation

The Navy's used submarine shopping plan lacks foresight and will likely lead to higher costs in the future.

The country saw its first submarine deployment in 1938 when four vessels constructed in Japan, including the HTMS Matchanu, took part in coastal battles during the Franco-Siam War and World War II.

The four boats were decommissioned in 1951 due to both a lack of spare parts- because Japan was barred from weapons production - and political reprisal following a Navy-led coup attempt.

And for the past 60 years, the Navy's big dream has been to rebuild its submarine squadron.

Thailand reported near submarine deal with Germany

Mar 28, 2011
DPA

Bangkok - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has approved a plan for the Royal Thai Navy to purchase six secondhand submarines from Germany for 7.7 billion baht (257 million dollars), a newspaper reported Monday.

The U-206 Class subs, which are intended for missions in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, would constitute Thailand's first submarine fleet, to be commanded by Rear Admiral Suriya Pornsuriya, the Bangkok Post said.

The Thai navy has had submarines on its wish list for many years. It commissioned its first aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, in 1997.

[Thai] Navy sends ship to Cambodia on friendship exercise

Commander-in-chief of the First Fleet of the Royal Thai Fleet, Rear Admiral Nopadol Suthammasapa gives an official send-off to the HTMS Sukhothai’s captain and crew.

Friday May 9 - May 15, 2008
Patcharapol Panrak
Pattaya Mail

The Royal Thai Navy has sent the HTMS Sukhothai to the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville as part of the cordial military relations that exist between the two countries, and to support stability on the Thai-Cambodian border.

Under the direction of Vice Admiral Chaiwat Pukkarat, commander-in-chief of the First Fleet of the Royal Thai Fleet, Rear Admiral Nopadol Suthammasapa gave an official send-off to the vessel and its crew on April 28 at Laem Thian Port at Sattahip Naval Base.

Rear Admiral Chumpol Wongwaekin, chief of staff at the First Fleet was commander of the ship heading for Sihanoukville.

Rear Admiral Nopadol said that more than 100 military personnel are on board the ship, which will anchor at the Cambodian commercial port to undergo training and a familiarization program.

Rear Admiral Chumpol said that the responsibility of the First Fleet is to protect Thailand’s interests from Trat to Chumporn. The mission to Cambodia is to help cement friendly relations between the two countries, and to undergo training for such possibilities as a disaster at sea, and for cross-border issues.