Bangkok, "Suthin" accepts talks with China, opens new proposal. Submarine canceled Changed to a surface ship Point out that Thai society is not confident. submarine engine quality Confirming that money already paid has not been wasted, vowing that this April will definitely end and will be brought to the Cabinet for consideration. Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense, revealed his trip to the People's Republic of China to talk and negotiate about submarines. Because I want it to end. This was my intention from the beginning when I took office. that the process will be completed But there is still ambiguity regarding the law. Therefore, it was sent to many agencies for interpretation. When the interpretation was complete, a working group was formed. to listen to information After the working group has completed its work It's enough to know the trend. He hurriedly found several solutions. To be consistent with the interpretation and results of the working group. So he traveled to China. which was discu ssed in many ways What are the ways in which China can cooperate with us and in our legislation and working groups? 'But the most important thing. You must listen to the opinions of the Cabinet because it will be any resolution. Everyone must take responsibility. whether he is comfortable or uncomfortable having to choose each path Going to China, I have several suggestions. If the submarine moves forward, what will happen? How can we make the Cabinet feel comfortable and society understand? The second way is to cancel it. If I cancel the annuity I paid first, what will I do? We and China agree on many useful things. The main thing I thought of was The navy benefits and the one that suits him the most may not be 100 percent or First Choose, but it may be Second Choose,' Mr. Suthin said. Mr. Suthin said that the first point must be according to the Navy's plan. The second point is that the money paid must not be lost. And third, the country must benefit. It's likely we'll get all three. Especially about the money we paid first. No matter which way out The money was not wasted. When all conclusions have been drawn Let the navy go do its homework. On the Chinese side, they also went back to doing their homework. 'Today (April 1) will be another step in talking. Via video call with China If we can talk today and reach a conclusion, it's over. If it's not over, we'll have to travel to China again. I have to admit that it would be difficult to talk just once. But we will finish it as soon as possible,' Mr. Suthin said. When asked about the news that the submarine project will be canceled and a frigate will be purchased instead, Mr. Suthin said that a submarine is one option as it is a Chinese ship. (Engine) But can it make us feel at ease? Quality is referenced and certified. As for the second issue, if you change a frigate or an offshore patrol vessel (OPV), you have to ask the Navy: Can you accept this option? If you don't take a submarine It's in order. Therefore, if it is not a submarine, it will be a frigate or an OPV boat. We have not yet concluded which approach to take. But every approach is beneficial to the country. Which is believed to be completed within April 2024 and then brought into the Cabinet in April 2024 as well. When asked what level the trip to China went to talk with the Chinese delegation, Mr. Suthin said that his own delegation went to talk with the Chinese working group. Each side received various offers. I brought it to talk with my own government. When the two governments see that it is possible, they will come and talk among themselves. The process will end when he talks with Chinese officials again. As for the reason for canceling the submarine, Mr. Suthin said that what he discussed with China is that Thai society is still fascinated by it. Not in accordance with the agreement and still not satisfied with the submarine's qualifications. Simply put, Thai people still think that it is not as agreed upon. and still not confident in the features of the engine (CHD 620) that has never been used anywhere else This is our embarrassment. Let China understand this as well. which he also expressed his sympathy with Because he has already undertaken the project. So where will we meet? Don't let both sides lose the benefit. When asked about the proposal to cancel the submarine project Coming from the government side or the committee to study appropriate guidelines for the Ministry of Defence's phase 1 submarine procurement project, Mr. Suthin said that the committee proposed 2-3 approaches, offering both advantages and disadvantages. Which of the following can be done or not? and things that he must hear informally from the Cabinet, including his own resolutions, things that the Cabinet and coalition parties are not comfortable with We don't want to do it. When asked about China's stance if the submarine project was cancelled, Mr. Suthin said he was not harsh. He had an attitude of consideration. But there is a condition that If it's a frigate or an OPV ship, we have to talk about the price. It is m oney that we have already paid. and other conditions include: He did not close this approach. Whether or not it will affect the relationship between Thailand and China, Mr. Suthin said there is no problem. Looking at the attitude, it should be said and understood. Each side sympathizes with each other. It shouldn't affect the relationship much. Unless we want it or take it too much. It may still be affected, but as of today, we speak according to the proposed guidelines. Still not affecting the relationship When asked about the cancellation of the submarine project Concerned about the law, whether there will be a complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) or not, Mr. Suthin said that when interpreting the law, If there is any change that is a Cabinet resolution, it can be done, but the Cabinet resolution must stand on the law and the country's interests. As for whether the procurement of frigates will go to the Cabinet meeting to be included in the 2025 budget or not, Mr. Suthin said it i s up to the Prime Minister to consider. The Ministry of Defense has no objection. It is at the discretion of the Prime Minister. because it is related to the budget table If there are frigates and submarines How to budget? In order not to overstuff the budget each year. It may be called a money management technique, which is before or after. When asked about his trip to South Korea, Mr. Suthin said it was not about going to see a frigate or a submarine. But the trip was at the invitation of the South Korean Minister of Defense. building relationships and go look at the defense industry Ready to visit United Nations forces which has personnel from the Thai military performing their duties On this occasion, the South Korean Ministry of Defense invited to see the T-50 fighter planes that Thailand has procured and is awaiting delivery of another 2 units, and to see the production project as well. Source: Thai News Agency
Sunday, September 08, 2024