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Thailand builds hi-tech naval base – even though it has no submarines Thailand builds hi-tech naval base – even though it has no submarines
(35 minutes later)
Thailand's navy inaugurated a state-of-the-art headquarters and training centre for its submarine squadron on Monday, even though it has no subs to command. Thailand's navy inaugurated a £10m headquarters and training centre for its submarine squadron on Monday, even though it has no subs to command.
The squadron and its facilities, including a submarine simulator from Germany, were established at an existing naval base in Sattahip, east of Bangkok, on the Gulf of Thailand.The squadron and its facilities, including a submarine simulator from Germany, were established at an existing naval base in Sattahip, east of Bangkok, on the Gulf of Thailand.
The navy, which has had no submarines since 1951, has been trying to acquire some for years but has faced budgetary restraints. It says the new facilities are needed for the future.The navy, which has had no submarines since 1951, has been trying to acquire some for years but has faced budgetary restraints. It says the new facilities are needed for the future.
Rear Admiral Panu Punyavirocha, head of the submarine squadron, told the Bangkok Post newspaper in October that the new facilities cost 540 million baht (£9.8 million).Rear Admiral Panu Punyavirocha, head of the submarine squadron, told the Bangkok Post newspaper in October that the new facilities cost 540 million baht (£9.8 million).
Recent disputes over sea territory have made several Asian nations consider acquiring or expanding submarine fleets.Recent disputes over sea territory have made several Asian nations consider acquiring or expanding submarine fleets.
The military coup that ousted Thailand's civilian government in May could help with getting some submarines, as it will in practice administer the country until an election promised for October 2015 at the earliest. It received a vast increase in its budget after its last coup in 2006, a move that drew criticism from the press and public.The military coup that ousted Thailand's civilian government in May could help with getting some submarines, as it will in practice administer the country until an election promised for October 2015 at the earliest. It received a vast increase in its budget after its last coup in 2006, a move that drew criticism from the press and public.
In 2011, Thailand negotiated to buy six small used submarines from Germany for 7.7 billion baht (£139 million), but let the deal expire. It then considered buying two larger new submarines from South Korea for 40 billion baht (£721 million), but no deal was concluded. The navy has sent submarine personnel for training in both Germany and South Korea.In 2011, Thailand negotiated to buy six small used submarines from Germany for 7.7 billion baht (£139 million), but let the deal expire. It then considered buying two larger new submarines from South Korea for 40 billion baht (£721 million), but no deal was concluded. The navy has sent submarine personnel for training in both Germany and South Korea.