Weapons’
exports are a key means for an exporter to influence a recipient. Large sums
involved and commercial and national security secrecy of major weapons exports
may increase the chances of corruption
of the recipient’s officials, politicians and military officers.
The
Table below starts with Chinese exports to Thailand. Chinese exports to other
countries in the Indo-Pacific will follow.
China
has designed and exported major weapons systems to Thailand as early as the
1980s, long before the submarine sale. Major items for the Royal Thai Army
include the latest VT-4 Main Battle Tanks. Chinese frigates,
OPVs and a replenishment ship have been exported to the Royal Thai Navy since 1993.
Chinese Designed
and Built Weapon Systems for Thailand
From China
|
Exported more than 20 years ago
|
Less than 20 year old, new or future
|
to Thailand
|
450 x
Armoured Personnel Carriers Type 85 from 1987
|
100+ Main
Battle Tanks Type 30 was
69-ll built 1987-2004, retired
34 x
Infantry fighting vehicle VN-1 from 2020-
based on China’s ZBL-08
3 x
Submarines Type
S26T from 2021-
|
Pete
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