THAILAND IS NOW LEADING SOURCE
In his latest report, Mr Andrews noted that Thailand has now become the junta’s leading source of supplies purchased through the international banking system.
The transfer of weapons and related materials from Thailand-registered companies doubled from over US$60 million in the 2022 fiscal year to more than US$120 million the following year.
Unlike Singapore, the Thai government does not have an explicit public policy position opposing the transfer of weapons to Myanmar, said Mr Andrews.
According to the report, the junta’s purchases previously made from Singapore-based entities, including parts for Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, are now being sourced from Thailand. The report said the junta uses these helicopters to transport soldiers and conduct airstrikes on civilian targets.
Thai banks, including Siam Commercial Bank, have been crucial in this shift, said Mr Andrews.
The country’s oldest commercial bank facilitated over US$5 million in transactions related to Myanmar military procurement in the 2022 fiscal year. This skyrocketed to more than US$100 million in 2023.
Mr Andrews expressed hope that Thailand will follow Singapore’s example in investigating and curbing the flow of arms into Myanmar.
He stressed that in both countries’ cases, he found no evidence of the governments’ involvement or awareness of the transactions.
“Last year, when we issued the report indicating the entities from Singapore involved in this trade, the Singapore government launched an investigation, and that investigation led to this significant drop,” he pointed out.
“We’re hoping that Thailand will follow suit, and we’ll see a similar trend next year from Thailand that we’ve seen this year from Singapore.”
