WesWorld

Within three months of the new king's ascension to the throne, extremely fast for a second rate power, contracts were signed with various nations. Deliveries of Char6B light tanks from France, mismanaged and even warehoused, were uncovered and as rapidly as maintenance could be done, placed into service with the Royal Thai Army.

A Contract with US companies was signed for 7mm x 36 Carbines, which the new king insisted were ideal for jungle warfare. As no production machine guns are made in the round, a competition was entered forthwith for a light machine gun for the RTA and RTMC. The light machine gun was to fire from a 25-50 round magazine or bagged belt, fire the 7mm x 36mm round, and be under 5.5 kilograms.

Local manufacturers who survived the purges of corrupt industrialists found contracts in the offing for new production of a local variant of the Carden-Lloyd carrier, stretched and widened somewhat to accommodate both a machine gun and either a half squad of ground troops or a mortar mounted inside the armored troop box. Power was provided by a 100hp diesel engine. The sheer simplicity of the venerable design lent itself to a local Thai variation made specifically toward the needs of a military operating primarily in jungle terrain.

Other businesses, almost local shops, were employed in a refitting program of the now ancient Vickers 6 ton tanks that had seen front line service for two decades. Inspections were carried out, and those deemed to be in serviceable condition were re-engined with a 100hp diesel engine, and had their upperworks cut away to be replaced with a casemate made of downward folding 'petals'. A single 40mm AA gun was placed on each, turning the relatively slow armored vehicles into mobile anti-aircraft platforms.

-------------

Much talk was made of the sorry state of the RTAF. Representatives from many nations were seen, but ultimately it was announced that a contract was signed with British firms to procure a variant of the Meteor as a front line fighter for the RTAF. Talk of a bomber was also put forth as well, with speculation on the intentions of the monarchy with a strategic asset for such a small nation. Purchase was also announced of purchase of the Argus naval patrol aircraft by the RTN for general naval patrol and some cargo duties for the RTMC. These contracts also come with licensure for follow on production locally, which perked the ears of the local aircraft industry.

The RTN and RTAF both announced the purchase from French firms for the MS.660 Aquilon as both the first Thai advanced jet trainer and the first Thai carrier jet aircraft. Additionally the Breguet-Nord BR.900 Massette was to be purchased for Naval strike.

In a first for the small monarchy, it has been announced that the first indigenous build program for an all Thai constructed carrier has begun, with the first carrier, Rachan being laid down in Bangkok's largest drydock. Additionally, the first cruiser to be laid down in Thailand in many years is laid down with the King ceremonially signalling the start of construction of the Taksin, destined to be the new flagship of the Royal Thai Navy.