The Thai Navy defends its decision to purchase three Chinese-made tanks

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) defended the purchase of three Chinese-made tanks on Tuesday, saying the Deal was approved before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to criticism of the delivery of three VN16 tanks, RTN spokesperson Adm Chetta Chaipiam said that the 398 million baht buying project had been approved in fiscal year 2020, so the country committed to acquiring them. During Monday’s budget discussion, the opposition wanted to know why the tanks arrived in Thailand before the Covid-19 vaccine was promoted. This was an observation. VN16 is the export version of China’s ZTD-05, which is a light amphibious tank developed and manufactured by China North Industries Group Co., Ltd. (also known as China Ordnance Industries Group Corp Ltd. (NORINCO). Three tanks were ordered. Last June, the tanks arrived in Thailand last week. These tanks will be handed over to the Marine Corps of Chon Buri’s Sattahip district.