Thailand has just made a huge effort to bolster its navy through the purchase of a new attack submarine. However, despite being an ally of the United States and other Western powers, the Royal Thai Navy's newest sub is a Chinese Type 039A (internally referred to as an S26T). As such, it is not equipped with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles or ballistic missiles. Don't worry, China has not made Thailand a nuclear power. Thailand is still a key ally to the United States in Southeast Asia, and the country getting on friendly terms with China might have implications down the road.