The House committee vetting the 2023 spending budget bill yesterday accepted 369 million baht out of 738 mil baht sought by the Royal Thai Surroundings Force (RTAF) for its planned purchase associated with two F-35A jet fighter jets from the US.
RTAF commander ACM Napadej Dhupatemiya thanked the home panel for acknowledging the air force’s appeal and restoring the requested fund necessary to proceed with the obtain programme.
Earlier, a sub-committee on durable products, state enterprises, ICT equipment and spinning funds decided to exclude the air force’s request of 738 mil baht from the 2023 spending plan since it was deemed unwanted and there was simply no confirmation whether the US Congress would accept the sale.
The air force lodged an appeal but agreed to possess the budget slashed simply by 50%.
“If the US Our elected representatives doesn’t approve the particular sale, the air drive will return the sum to the condition coffers, ” said ACM Napadej.
The House committee voted 45: 22 with one disuse to approve 369 million baht for your scheme which would cost about 7. 4 billion baht along with funds to be allocated over the next four fiscal years.
It also approved some appeals against budget cuts produced by sub-panels.
Among the requests restored by the main Home committee was a good allocation of 171 million baht to have an ammunition and explosive factory sought from the permanent secretary workplace of the Defence Ministry; an allocation associated with 150 million baht sought by the International Ministry; and 105 million baht wanted by the Labour Ministry’s Department of Ability Development.
Pheu Thai Celebration MP Yuttapong Charasathien said minority people would raise their particular objection to the fighter jet purchase programme again during the 2nd and third readings of the budget expenses.