According to the Naval Ordnance Department The Thai Navy plans to purchase 5.56mm AK-201 Russian rifles, total 500 units for $ 1,387,240.65 or per barrel $ 2,774.65 for the Eastern Marines Scout Task Force (Thahan Phran).
It may be seen that when compared with the rifle from the west, such as Colt M16A4 in the amount of 450 units, costing 23,4006,986.16 baht ($ 721,769.54) for the Royal Thai Naval Academy. The price of the M16A4 long rifle, the US average price per barrel 52,015.548 baht ($ 1,604.48) shows the fact that Russian guns procured through Rosoboronexport Russian arms export agencies and Thai distribution companies are more expensive contrary to the belief that Russian weapons are cheap.
Thailand; Navy opt for Kalashnikov rifles