Thailand must continue to modernise armed forces to be prepared for multi-faceted threats 0803123

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Armies in the world - Thailand

 
 
Thursday, March 8, 2012, 05:51 PM
 
Thailand must continue to modernise armed forces to be prepared for new multi-faceted threats.
Thailand must continue to modernise its armed forces to be prepared for new multi-faceted threats, said the Permanent Secretary for Defence Gen Sathian Permtongin. As such, Gen Sathian said, despite the trend of declining traditional threats, every country must remain prudent and continue to modernise their armed forces to be ready for new forms of threats that are seemingly increasing. (Source ADJ Asian Defence Journal)
     
Thailand must continue to modernise its armed forces to be prepared for new multi-faceted threats, said the Permanent Secretary for Defence Gen Sathian Permtongin. As such, Gen Sathian said, despite the trend of declining traditional threats, every country must remain prudent and continue to modernise their armed forces to be ready for new forms of threats that are seemingly increasing.
Thai army take delivery of the first BTR-3E in Ukraine, April 2011
     

“All these threats affect people around the world, one way or another, and can happen at any time. They can be destructive to lives, properties and even our freedom,” he said.

In his speech opening the show on behalf of Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat, Gen Sathian also spoke of the threat of natural catasthrophes. ”We have all realised the damaging consequences of disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, and even the flooding like which Thailand faced last year. They are today’s real adversaries of every country around the world.”

“In order to prepare for countering all these threats to maintain peace and security, we need to have the readiness of information, intelligence, technology, equipment, and security measures that are suitable and up-to-date,” he added.

In March 2011, the newspaper Thai Bangkok Post has reported that Thai army has ordered 200 Ukrainian-made main battle tank T-84 Oplot to replace the outdated US M41A3 tanks that have been in used by the Thai army since 1962.


In August 2011, "Ukrspetsexport" concluded with Thailand, a contract to supply 121 BTR-3E1, said in a statement posted on the website of the Ukrainian state company. The deal amounted to $ 140 million. This contract was added to the already concluded in 2007 an agreement for the supply of 96 armored vehicles to Thailand. Earlier it was reported that Thailand plans to buy the BTR-3E1 on the defense budget savings.

     
Thai army M41 main battle tank
Thai army M41 main battle tank