Prayut defends weapons deals

Pheu Thai Party MP Yuttapong Charasathien speaks about the Defence Ministry's plan to procure submarines and fighter jets during the last day of the censure debate against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Pheu Thai Party MP Yuttapong Charasathien speaks in regards to the Defence Ministry’s intend to procure submarines plus fighter jets over the last day of the censure debate against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

Prime Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted the government will purchase submarines and F-35 fighter jets when he defended the country’s military spending on the last day of the skin debate on Fri.

Mouthpiece Pheu Thai Celebration leader Yuttapong Charasathien took aim with military spending as he slammed Gen Prayut, who is also the defence minister, because lacking leadership pertaining to failing to put the particular brakes on unneeded expenses.

Mr Yuttapong stated the premier must have ordered the scrapping of the navy’s boat deal when it has been apparent that Tiongkok Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co, the manufacturer, could not supply German-made MTU396 diesel motors by next month’s deadline.

“He lacks the leadership required to mind the government, ” mentioned Mr Yuttapong, MEGAPIXEL for Maha Sarakham. “When the submarine deal ran right into a problem, he was afraid to terminate the contract, which damages the country. ”

He said the air force’s plan to acquire three F-35s from the United states of america should wait because the country’s public financial debt has increased to over 60 per cent of GDP and it is in need of funds regarding development and financial relief initiatives.

He declared that the air force’s procurement process for the aircraft may take almost 2 yrs as the order ask for must be examined by US lawmakers.

Gen Prayut should order the air force to withdraw its request for share of funds for your jets in the 2023 budget so the cash can be spent to help people in need, Mr Yuttapong stated.

Protecting both plans, Style Prayut said the government will not accept the delivery of the submarines unless they satisfy the requirements specified in the deal’s terms of reference (ToR).

He stated the navy offers stood firm on its demand as well as the Chinese firm has to honour the agreement.

When the ToR cannot be fulfilled, concerned parties will need to take responsibility since specified in the agreement, he said.

As for the jets, he said the scheme will go forward as the air push submitted the purchase request to the ALL OF US last year. He stated it is expected to determine early next year and Thailand will inform the US of its purposes in February.

Mr Yuttapong also attacked the particular navy’s plan to purchase UAVs worth four. 1 billion baht from Israel, saying it is unnecessary investing. He said that with no weapons, UAVs can only do reconnaissance missions.

Style Prayut said military spending schemes depend on defence necessities, observing they are approved by the House. The House has the last say in spending budget allocations and the military has to cope with parliament’s decision should finances be trimmed or rejected, he stated.