(Photo: Royal Thai Navy)The United States has warned the Royal Thai Navy about the reported involvement of a Chinese company in a plan to salvage the US-built corvette HTMS Sukhothai. Jusmag, which oversees US military affairs in Thailand, first contacted the navy a month after the Sukhothai sank, seeking information about plans to recover the ship that entered service in 1987. Mr Chayaphon said that in the case of a salvage operation involving a US-built ship, the navy has an obligation to seek US government approval of the contractor. “If the US takes part in the salvage operation, it may delay the operation from its original schedule set in April,” said a source who asked not to be identified. The navy has found a bid winner that will salvage the warship with a budget of 199 million baht, pending approval.

Source: Bangkok Post January 20, 2024 20:34 UTC