Thailand confirms postponement of purchase of three submarines from China.

Reuters reported on July 15 that Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan announced the country had postponed plans to purchase three submarines worth 36 billion baht (US$1.06 billion) from China.

This move raises questions about Thailand's commitment to the submarine purchase, which its navy approved on July 2nd.

Speaking to reporters, Prawit said the plan had been put on hold while the Royal Thai Navy reconsidered the role and cost of these ships.

Minister Prawit said: "We will wait and see and will not submit this plan to the cabinet for approval."

Thailand, a loyal ally of the United States for decades, has strengthened ties with China amid Beijing's growing influence in the region through loans, infrastructure aid, and the 2014 coup in Thailand which strained Bangkok-Washington relations.

(According to Reuters/VN+)