AHC Thai Navy challenge

[La Rouge Beret]

In the lead up to WW 2 the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) had built up a reasonable size fleet, consisting of coastal defence ships, sloops and submarines. So how could we get the RTN to join the fight against the Axis powers in WW 2 and what would their impact be?

 

[La Rouge Beret]

Here is an example of one of their submarines based on a Japanese design, my thought has originally been WI the RTN had assumed the German submarines offered to the Nationalist Chinese? I may explore this further.

 

[Fearless Leader]

What about in a scenario in which the British launch Operation Matador? Thailand sides with the Allies and the Royal Thai navy sails south to join other Allied ships at Singapore?

 

[La Rouge Beret]

Hmmm interesting concept about Operation Matador and one that would have a certain amount of credence. Particularly after the RN attacks at Taranto and against the MN fleet at Mers El Kebir. Another point would be that several RTN officers had trained with the RN and there were politicians that had expressed grave doubts regarding any alliance with the Japanese.

So I think it is possible to get the majority or all of the RTN fleet to head south to Singapore. Though in saying that there is also a likelihood that they would being destroyed by the IJN forces, but perhaps they can link up with Force Z?

 

[Namayan]

In the lead up to WW 2 the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) had built up a reasonable size fleet, consisting of coastal defence ships, sloops and submarines. So how could we get the RTN to join the fight against the Axis powers in WW 2 and what would their impact be?

Weren't the Thais in otl ww2 invaded before being forced to become part of the axis much like Vichy France?

Thailand by 1941 pod would have poorly trained and equipped navy compared to Japan. The one that is significant in the thailands arsenal are aircraft that they have since these are American and Japanese made aircraft. The Japanese would practically fighting a mirror of themselves.

For a better strategic sense, the British should have helped the Thais defending their borders from Vichy indo china and IJN. In turn the Thai air force would have been a considerable asset to the British and the Allies in south east Asia.

 

[thaddeus]

2 cruisers under construction in Italy at the bottom of the page http://www.navypedia.org/retro_view/1940/thailand_1940.htm

 

[pdf27]

Weren't the Thais in otl ww2 invaded before being forced to become part of the axis much like Vichy France?

Thailand by 1941 pod would have poorly trained and equipped navy compared to Japan. The one that is significant in the thailands arsenal are aircraft that they have since these are American and Japanese made aircraft. The Japanese would practically fighting a mirror of themselves.

For a better strategic sense, the British should have helped the Thais defending their borders from Vichy indo china and IJN. In turn the Thai air force would have been a considerable asset to the British and the Allies in south east Asia.

Problem is the Franco-Thai war of 1940. That made it rather difficult for the British to offer assistance to the Thais, not to mention the sheer fact that they don't have much to offer (being badly stretched everywhere). To get the Thais to be on the allied side from the start, you need to improve their relations with the French and ensure the British do quite a lot better in 1940 and 41.

 

[zeppelinair]

interested in how this thread turns out. Don't know enough to contribute though, I'm sorry D:

 

[Namayan]

Problem is the Franco-Thai war of 1940. That made it rather difficult for the British to offer assistance to the Thais, not to mention the sheer fact that they don't have much to offer (being badly stretched everywhere). To get the Thais to be on the allied side from the start, you need to improve their relations with the French and ensure the British do quite a lot better in 1940 and 41.

Franco-Thai war isnt a member of the Allies(French) vs Thailand. The French government here is Vichy France.

Besides, if the British can ally with Soviets who invaded Poland side by side with Nazis and has a treaty with the Nazis, why not Thailand who fought Vichy France?

This is the same Vichy France that the British want to sink their navy for fear of the Nazis getting controlled over Vichy Navy. So, you rational doesnt even make any sense.

 

[Fearless Leader]

Perhaps the Thai Air force relocates to Singapore as well?

If Operation Matador happens and is properly supplied/reinforced, the Japanese are going to be screwed. It's going to take them until well into 1942 (April, May) to take Singapore. More than enough time for the RTN to make an impact, if only a little one.

 

[La Rouge Beret]

Interestingly the Thai Air Force performed quite well during the Franco - Thai conflict. Additionally, they also used the Curtis P - 36 Hawk which was also operated by the Chinese Nationalist Air Force, the Dutch and later produced under license in India - so not too much of a potential logistical stretch. However, they also operated Japanese aircraft which I imagine would be discarded due to logistical and potential friendly fire incidents.

The RTN performed poorly during the Franco - Thai war, but in saying that if they survive the exit south and avoid the marauding IJN and Japanese air fleets. Given time and an opportunity to work up properly their performance would improve.