The House committee vetting the 2023 spending budget bill on Wed approved 369 mil baht out of 738 million baht wanted by the Royal Thailänder Air Force (RTAF) for its planned buy of two F-35A fighter jets from the US.
RTAF commander ACM Napadej Dhupatemiya thanked the House panel regarding accepting the air force’s appeal and rebuilding the requested fund needed to proceed with the acquisition programme.
Earlier, the sub-committee on long lasting products, state corporations, ICT equipment and revolving funds decided to exclude the air force’s request of 738 million baht from your 2023 spending strategy because it was considered unnecessary and there was no confirmation if the US Congress might approve the sale.
The environment force lodged a good appeal but agreed to have the budget cut by 50%.
“If the united states Congress doesn’t accept the sale, the environment force will return the sum to the state coffers, ” said ACM Napadej.
The House committee voted 45: 22 with one abstention to accept 369 million baht for the scheme which may cost about seven. 4 billion baht with funds to become allocated over the following four fiscal years.
It also accepted some is attractive against budget slashes made by sub-panels.
Among the demands restored by the primary House committee was an allocation of 171 million baht for an ammunition and explosive factory sought by the permanent admin office of the Defence Ministry; an allocation of 150 million baht sought from the Foreign Ministry; and 105 million baht sought by the Work Ministry’s Department associated with Skill Development.
Pheu Thailänder Party MP Yuttapong Charasathien said group members would increase their objection towards the fighter jet buy programme again throughout the second and 3rd readings of the spending budget bill.