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 Armyinclude 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