Thailand, China in talks over military cooperation: Thai official

A Thai official says his country is negotiating with China to have joint military production facilities set up in Thailand.

In a visit to Beijing last week, Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan about the issue, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich.

“The defense minister told his Chinese counterpart that we are interested in setting up facilities to repair and maintain the Chinese equipment we currently have in our arsenal,” Kongcheep explained.

“We will also look to their expertise in producing small arms and other security-related equipment like drones,” he added.

The spokesman further said that Thai authorities have also held talks with Russia about the production of similar facilities in their country but did not provide details.

The Thai defense minister said last month that Bangkok was due to supply Russia with agricultural products and food in exchange for military and engineering equipment.

SS