PUBLISHED: 6 Apr 2024 at 07: 03
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has refuted claims made by the Move Forward Party ( MPP ) about a alleged” change money” scandal involving the navy’s purchase of a new frigate.
One of the topics raised during the MFP’s public debate on Thursday was the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) plan to buy new boats and a frigate in accordance with Article 152 of the Constitution.
One of the charges made by the MFP against the government was about the” alter money” scandal involving the RTN’s plan to buy the ship.
According to the MFP record, MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a federal official, had called the RTN as he or she was looking to say” change money” from the 1.7- billion- baht budget instalment for acquiring the frigate.
But, the RTN disagreed with the state, which the MP claimed caused the resources to get cut to 850 million ringgit.
Regarding the matter, Mr Sutin said if for a telephone had been made, the criticism may provide information.
When questioned about whether the purchase of the ship will be made into the government’s monthly budget for 2024, he replied that he would be able to provide the answer once the decision to buy submarines is made.
This is because the expenses for both buying are closely connected, he said.
If the underwater task is scrapped, the funds will be used for purchasing a ship.
According to Mr. Sutin, the decision to purchase the underwater with the Chinese turbine may be made in the upcoming month.
After the Chinese were unable to meet a sub’s engine requirement, Mr. Sutin stated that China was open to the Thai proposal to purchase two offshore patrol vessels ( OPVs ) or a frigate instead of the S26T Yuan-class submarine.