Anyone notice that the Thai Millitary is using the M16 rifle?

Anyone notice that the Thai Millitary is using the M16 assult riffle? I wonder what part the United States plays in supplying the Thai militatry with weapons?

I was just watching CNN and they showed the Thai millitary running around with M16's. I was expecting to see them using AK-47's. Every solder I saw on TV had a M16.

Colt makes the M16. Anyone can buy it. (with proper paperwork) Most armys use the AK47 because it's cheap, reliable, and the clips and ammo are left everywhere on the battlefield. the M16 is not as reliable but if taken care of, is a great weapon. Alot of special forces units use the MP5. It's not just for our side.

www.fas.org...

Thailand is the United States’ closest ally in Southeast Asia.

Thailand is also one of the leading importers of U.S. arms in the region. Since 1987, the United States has shipped $3.4 billion dollars worth of arms to Thailand.

The source fas is normally very good...

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is a non-profit organization ... Endorsed by 68 Nobel Laureates[2] in chemistry, economics, medicine and physics

en.wikipedia.org...

[edit on 13/4/2009 by RubberBaron]

Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers use M-16's too. Weapons makers will sell it to anybody with the $$$.