Article

2011-04-05 Southeast Asia

Thailand to buy German subs they don't need?

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Posted by ryuge 2011-04-05 15:16|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 Worth clicking just for the sub heading.

Posted by Grunter 2011-04-05 17:06|| 2011-04-05 17:06|| Front Page Top

#2 The strategic purpose of the boats is also contested. Thailand has extensive maritime interests, including offshore natural gas fields and a huge fishery, as well as unresolved boundary disputes with neighbouring countries. These roles are already being met by surface warships and land-based aircraft, which offer effective and proportionate means to patrol Thailand's territorial waters and offshore extended economic zones.

Mr. Greenwood sort of left out something in "strategic": denial of transit. Thailand sits on the western end of the Malacca Straits. Considering who lies to the north and west of the Thais, it might be a valuable tool, one of influence if nothing else.

That said, the Thai navy's history of not being able to support its existing assets doesn't bode well.

Posted by Pappy 2011-04-05 17:40|| 2011-04-05 17:40|| Front Page Top

#3 Thai subs could rapidly become Taiwan's subs if the Chinese were to push hard enough, and the Thais can buy new non-nuke boats whereas the Taiwanese cannot at the moment. A nice little threat to the ChiComs, let the Taiwanese "joint training teams" operate on the boats with the Thais and if the ChiComs push too hard, the Thais declare the boats surplus and sell them to the Taiwanese.

Posted by Shieldwolf 2011-04-05 17:46|| 2011-04-05 17:46|| Front Page Top

#4 That said, the Thai navy's history of not being able to support its existing assets doesn't bode well.

Get rid of their useless aircraft carrier and they will have both the money and manpower. Subs are very useful in that crowded area, a small, decrepit aircraft carrier is a target for everyone.

Posted by Zebulon Thranter9685 2011-04-05 21:05|| 2011-04-05 21:05|| Front Page Top

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