Thai army's purchase plan for 10 more Chinese tanks approved

BANGKOK, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The Thai government decided on Tuesday to buy 10 more VT-4 main battle tanks from China, said Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Speaking to the press, Prawit Wongsuwan said the cabinet had approved the army's plan to buy the additional 10 VT-4 tanks.

That is a second batch of the Chinese tanks which followed the first batch of that type purchased by the Thai army last year.

Payment for the second batch will begin with the army's budget allocated for current fiscal year and followed by the next two years, Prawit said.

The Chinese tanks will replace U.S.-built M-41 tanks at a few cavalry units in Bangkok and the provinces, he said.