PUBLISHED : 6 Apr 2024 at 07:03
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has denied allegations made by the Transfer Ahead Celebration (MFP) a couple of so-called “change cash” scandal linked to the navy’s procurement of a brand new frigate.
The Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) plan to amass new submarines and a frigate was one of many matters mentioned throughout Thursday’s common debate by the MFP beneath the provisions of the Structure’s Article 152.
One of many accusations the MFP made in opposition to the federal government was concerning the “change cash” scandal related to the RTN’s plan to buy the frigate.
In line with the MFP listing, MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a authorities official, had referred to as the RTN as she or he was trying to declare “change cash” from the 1.7-billion-baht funds instalment for buying the frigate.
Nevertheless, the RTN disagreed with the declare, which the MP claimed induced the funds to be minimize to 850 million baht.
Concerning the matter, Mr Sutin stated if such a name had been made, the opposition ought to present proof.
When requested if the funds for the frigate buy might be included within the authorities’s annual funds for 2024, he stated he would have the ability to give the reply after the choice whether or not to purchase submarines is made.
It is because the budgets for each purchases are carefully related, he stated.
If the submarine mission is scrapped, the funds might be used for buying a frigate.
Mr Sutin stated the choice on procuring the submarine with the Chinese language engine might be made inside this month.
On April 1, Mr Sutin stated China was open to the Thai proposal to obtain both two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) or a frigate as a substitute of the S26T Yuan-class submarine after the Chinese language had been unable to satisfy an engine requirement for the sub.
