09 April 2020

Covid-19: Thailand considers postponing military acquisitions

by Jon Grevatt

The Thai government is considering potentially postponing military procurements in response to the expected economic impact of Covid-19, Lieutenant General Kongcheep Tantravanich, the spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Defence (MoD), said on 8 April.

Lt Gen Kongcheep also said that any potential delay to planned defence acquisitions will be discussed internally within the MoD and with foreign suppliers to minimise the impact on the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Thailand is reviewing defence procurement plans with a view to possible postponements in response to the impact of Covid-19. These procurements are likely to include additional Krabi-class OPVs (the second of which is pictured above at its ceremonial launch in August 2019). (Royal Thai Navy)

Unlike many of its Asian counterparts, the Thai MoD does not look to procure defence equipment through credit provided by international suppliers. Instead, it looks to spread the cost of procurement through defence budgets over several fiscal years.

Nonetheless, Lt Gen Kongcheep’s comments confirm that the Thai defence ministry is the first in the region to point to future procurement difficulties as a consequence of Covid-19.

“We are considering what is necessary,” Lt Gen Kongcheep said in comments reported on Thai television. “If we think it is necessary to postpone [a military procurement] programme to future years, we will postpone it so that it doesn’t affect contracts with foreign suppliers. This is something we need to talk through, but I think other countries are experiencing similar effects and they will understand what is necessary.”

Lt Gen Kongcheep added, “We are not just looking at [procurements] in 2020, we are looking at 2021 when we might have to reduce [expenditure] in line with necessary national requirements. We are fully prepared to work in alignment with government policies.”

The Thai government is considering potentially postponing military procurements in response to the e...

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