The purchase of submarines seemed to have been a done deal, but then was halted due to public outcry. In my view submarines are mostly an aggressive weapons, with limited defensive use. The timing for such a purchase is inappropriate, with the Thai economy stalled and probably the most pressing issue should be drought - flooding - reservoirs - water supply I suppose some consideration should be given to "The best defense is a good offense" The Bangkok Post article presents a somewhat official line of thinking with thought provoking reader comments