Speaking to reporters at Suvarnabhumi Airport after returning from his Russian visit, General Prayutsaid Thailand needed new helicopters for military purposes as well as civilian affairs such as evacuations and fighting wildfires. “We have to buy necessary stuff from other countries because we cannot manufacture them,” he said.

The prime minister also said Thailand was more interested in joining the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) than the United States-led Trans-Pacific Partnership. It was because joining EEU was easier and there was no obligation, he added. Prayut said he would make sure Thailand would not be in a disadvantage by joining EEU. “If we don’t join them, we won’t be able to trade with them,” he said.