Thai plan to purchase submarines put on hold

Thailand has put on hold the purchase of submarines from China, the Thai defence minister said yesterday, raising questions about its commitment to acquiring its first such vessels.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said earlier this month the navy had approved a 36 billion baht (S$1.4 billion) plan to buy three submarines from China.

General Prawit, known to be a strong backer of the plan to get submarines, told reporters the acquisition was put on hold while the navy reconsidered the role of the vessels and their cost.

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