Thailand military upgrade: Defense Ministry responds to emerging threats

Thailand’s Defence Ministry is gearing up to bolster the country’s armed forces, aiming for a technologically superior edge to counter emerging security threats. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang highlighted the Thailand military upgrade commitment during his address to the incoming batch of the National Defence Course at the National Defence College yesterday.

Sutin conceded his previous misunderstanding regarding military expenditure, stressing that funding should reflect both the requirements of the armed forces and the defence challenges presented by foreign nations.

“If they own submarines or F-16 fighter jets, we must have something of comparable capability to counter them. It’s about assessing a competitor’s prowess as a factor for allocating the right budget.”

Sutin highlighted the importance of the Thailand military upgrade with advancing defence technology while maintaining its relevance and connection with the public. He emphasised the necessity to modernise and streamline the military for optimal functionality.

Sutin stressed that the primary concern in weapon procurement should be the ability to effectively thwart adversaries, not merely acquiring weaponry. He warned of new security threats originating from international conflicts such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Hamas-Israel war, stating that Thailand must strategise its international positioning to avoid getting embroiled in such conflicts.

The 62 year old defence minister also pointed out the potential security risks arising from ideological conflicts among citizens, visible on streets and social media platforms, and their detrimental effects on major institutions. He cautioned that if such ideological clashes and political disputes continue, they could pose a significant threat to the nation.

Sutin also noted the potential threats from non-conflict issues such as fine-dust pollution and international crime syndicates, including call centre gangs, reported Bangkok Post.

Dismissing any apprehensions about potential conflicts with the military due to his civilian background as a defence minister, Sutin stated that the ultimate goal is that the country is protected, which is not the job of anyone in particular, or the soldiers. It’s everyone’s duty.”