Source: Agencies | 00:01 UTC+8 November 17,
2017
THAILAND’S defense technology agency plans to set up a
joint center with China to produce and maintain military equipment.
The Thai government’s Defense Technology Institute will
set up the country’s first commercial joint defense facility with China in
northeast Khon Kaen province in July, a defense ministry spokesman said. It
will be responsible for assembly, production and maintenance of Chinese land
weapon systems for the Thai army.
“All our production will be for domestic official usage,”
spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich told reporters.
He said that it could become an assembly and maintenance
center for all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Specific details, he said, were subject to further
discussions between the ministry and China North Industries Corp, which makes
tanks, weapons and other heavy equipment.
The company’s website describes it as “a pioneer and
leader of Chinese military trade, and an important team to implement China’s
Going Global strategy.”
Kongcheep said the Chinese would provide training and
technology transfer, but details of any Chinese personnel in Khon Kaen were
among things being discussed.
China is an increasingly important source of weapons for
Thailand. Major purchases since 2015 include orders for 49 tanks and 34 armored
vehicles worth over US$320 million — much more than has been bought from other
countries, although it has ordered helicopters from Russia and the United
States.
The biggest Chinese purchase is the Royal Thai Navy’s
order for three submarines at a cost of over US$1 billion.
Thai and Chinese armies and air forces have begun joint
exercises, complementing Thailand’s continuing drills with the US forces.
On the civilian front, Thailand and China plan
development of a high-speed rail link as part of the Belt and Road initiative.
New legislation taking effect next year will allow
Thailand’s Defense Technology Institute to operate on a commercial basis, but
it will remain entirely under government ownership.
Thailand’s defense ministry said the government was also
holding preliminary discussions with Ukraine, Russia and South Africa about
joint defense manufacturing facilities, similar to the deal with China.
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