A clear majority of people are opposed to the navy's plan to buy three submarines at a cost of 36 billion baht, according to PeoplePoll (Thailand). He has also pointed out that some neighbouring countries have them, and therefore Thailand should have them too. Critics of the project have said submarines are not needed, that Thailand would be better advised beefing up its air and surface anti-submarine capabilities, and the 36 billion baht could be far better spent. According to a report published by Jane's Navy International in July 2015, the Royal Thai Navy hasselected China's ) platform to meet its requirement for three submarines. The report said the submarine has been designated S26T (Thailand), referring to a modified export version of the Yuan-class.

Source: Bangkok Post September 01, 2016 05:26 UTC