Russia swaps warplanes for chickens

The foreign ministers of Thailand and Russia met today to discuss bilateral issues including trade and the possibility of bartering Thai chickens for Russian warplanes.

“The authorities from both sides are discussing the trade of chickens for airplanes,” Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai told reporters after talks with his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. “They are meeting with the air force today, and tomorrow will meet with the defence minister.”

If a deal is reached, Russia would import 100,000 tons of Thai chicken, Surakiart said. Although he did not say what type or how many aircraft might be involved, in the past Thailand has expressed interest in acquiring Russia’s advanced Sukoi Su-30 fighter.