The navy plans to step up lobbying efforts to convince the public that submarines are necessary and worthy of investment.
Adm Narongpol Na Bangchang, the assistant navy commander, said Tuesday the renewed public-relations effort comes at the suggestion of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who said the navy needs to better explain the proposal to a sceptical public.
Until the submarine plan gains more public support, Gen Prawit told the navy to hold off on sending an purchase plan to the cabinet for approval, said Adm Narongpol, who heads the sub acquisition committee.
The maritime service has proposed buying three fully-equipped Chinese submarines for 12 billion baht each.
Adm Narongpol said the navy has produced a two-page document for distribution to the public.
The navy will also begin meeting with various news outlets and participate in forums, following the advice of Adm Kraisorn Chansuwanich, the navy commander.
The assistant navy chief said he believes the tide of opposition to the plan will subside. He predicted the purchase proposal could be submitted to the cabinet before the Sept 30 end of the fiscal year.
"The purchase of submarines is necessary and must begin this fiscal year because it will take as long as six years before (the subs) can be delivered. We also have to train our personnel for different missions, including combat."
In total, it will be eight years before they're operational, he concluded.
"If we are slow to act, everything will be delayed further. The exchange rates will change. We do not know whether there will be changes in the maritime-security situation.
"We have about 24 trillion baht in maritime interests per year to protect and the volume will continue to grow. So we need to have submarines," Adm Narongpol said.