The military's worst budgetary fears are being realised as its prized new aircraft carrier languishes at a navy base.
Senior administration officials have confirmed the aircraft carrier - the first in the region - rarely leaves its base in a bid to save cash.
Even when it infrequently sails close to the Sattahip naval base on the Gulf of Thailand, the Chakri Naruebet carries only a fraction of its crew and remains only partially fitted out.
Smaller vessels will be sent to the annual 'Cobra Gold' manoeuvres with the United States in May and doubts remain whether the carrier's crack helicopter and jet pilots are getting enough flying experience.
'It is just too expensive for us to do anything with,' a source close to Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said. 'We can only hope this will change and it will become a positive asset.' The Spanish-built carrier sailed into Thailand shortly after the baht collapsed in July, having been in the pipeline for several years.
Roundly criticised at the time as a waste of funds, the military stood by the purchase but swiftly scaled down other modernisation plans, including the possible purchase of a submarine and satellite deals.