Russia offers to build armaments plant in Thailand

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, left, greets Thailand's Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Somkit Chatusriphithak, right, during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday. (AP photo)

Russia has expressed interest in setting up a plant in Thailand to manufacture weapons to meet local and regional demand, and in investing in Thai railways.

The offer was made to the delegation led by Deputy Prime Ministers Prawit Wongsuwon and Somkid Jatusripitak during their visit to Moscow from Feb 23 to 25, according to Defence spokesman Khongcheep Tantravanich.

The delegation, which included Thai security and economic officials, met Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov.

They discussed cooperation on trade, science, technology, energy, food, security, military affairs and tourism.

On military issues, Thailand expressed an interest in procuring equipment for the military and for disaster response and national development, especially the construction of water resources. It proposed Russia buy Thai farm products in return.

Thai officials also proposed that Russia invest in energy, information technology, air transport and railway projects in Thailand. Russia could export products through Thailand to other Southeast Asian nations, Maj Gen Khongcheep said.

He quoted Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as saying Russia could meet Thailand's need for military equipment.

Mr Medvedev also said a centre coud be set up in Russia to distribute Thai farm products, in response to Thailand's plan to promote trade with Eurasia.

During the meeting with the Russian deputy prime minister and the Russian industry and trade minister, Russia expressed an interest in building an armaments plant and investing in basic industries and railways in Thailand, to supply demand in Thailand and throughout the region.

It was mutually agreed to establish a Russian cultural study centre in Thailand, Maj Gen Khongcheep said.