Navy chief Adm Kraisorn Chansuvanich said yesterday (July 2) that the committee tasked with choosing submarines had voted 14-3 in favour of Chinese models.
"The committee was not influenced by anyone. Its members are modern, smart officers," he said.
Given the budget, the committee had considered models made by six countries besides China, they were Russia, France, Sweden, Germany and South Korea.
The Chinese models won for value for money since the same budget would buy only two units from the other countries, excluding weaponry, he said.
"If the cabinet approves the budget, the subs will be commissioned over the next 6-7 years," he said.
Thailand has an edge in that the subs of other countries will not enter the Gulf of Thailand but Thai submarines can go anywhere, he added.
"They are more like a deterrent, one that will reduce our dependence on surface vessels," the naval chief said.
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