Yet there are four broader implications which argue against the submarine deal and warrant a mention on record. When the Japanese invaded in December 1941, the Thai military, particularly its navy, put up an admirable but futile resistance. By June 1951, the Thai navy staged a failed coup against the incumbent government and its political role was finished thereafter. For these reasons, the submarine deal is a dumb idea. But let it be recorded as a Thai military undertaking without accountability to the potential detriment of regional security and Thailand's trademark geopolitical balancing feat.

Source: Bangkok Post May 11, 2017 21:22 UTC