, The armed forces have been asked to prepare lists of Russian-made weapons they want, following the signing of two agreements between leaders of the two countries.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed two agreements after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.
One involves repayment of 1.7-billion-baht debt Russia owed to Thailand since 1990 through the purchase of rice, and the other involves military logistics.
Defence Minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya said that he had told the military to list the Russian-made weapons and equipment it wants.
“Russia's weapons are interesting especially the MI-6 helicopter. It's the world's best,'' he said.
Gen Thammarak did not know how much of Russia's debt would be repaid with weapons.
Army commander Gen Chaisit Shinawatra said that the army was interested in wheeled armoured vehicles and missiles.
“The army once considered buying wheeled armoured vehicles from Russia. We would propose the vehicles and probably missiles,'' he said.
Gen Chaisit said Russian-made tanks were not considered.
Meanwhile, a source close to military logistics said Russian-made weapons could pose problems because Thailand had not bought Russian-made goods before.
Most weapons and equipment came from the US, China and Europe.
“The armed forces seemed interested in MI-6 helicopters, armoured vehicles and a submarine. But a second-hand submarine is worth billions of baht. It's more than Russia owes us,'' said the source.
Canada reportedly urged Thailand to resume the planned purchase of wheeled armoured vehicles from Canada. Mr Thaksin had not made any move about the scheme which had been scrapped. In another development, Atthaniti Ditha-amnart, the Supreme Court President, yesterday talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin about cooperation in the judicial field.
