“Commander of the Royal Thai Navy” wishes “Submarine” a good ending, insisting that the Royal Thai Navy has done its best. Use the budget wisely. Rely on the power of “His Royal Highness Prince Tia”, raising the law and reinforcing it. Send the Attorney General to wait 30 days to decide on 3 issues, asking who has the authority to change the engine.
On November 20 at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters (RTA), Admiral Adung Pan-Iam, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, spoke about the progress of the “submarine” that The Navy has done its best. All former commanders have led the Navy’s strategy that we need 4 submarines to move forward in order to have submarines. having a submarine Probably not because he has But we need to have Because the underwater dimension is still lacking. Submarines are strategic weapons. Difficult to speak to the media But I understand that everyone will understand. What do we have a submarine for? The former commander has been working on this project for a long time since 2015. We started signing in 2017 when the requirements were signed according to TOR, which stated that it was an engine, basically saying that we need a Diesel Generator Set while China offered MTU 396 and added GB31L (made in China). At that time, China still had production rights from Germany for use and export, so they signed a contract confirming that on that day there was no defect by any party.
“I must apologize to the people. The Navy didn’t say anything because after I took on the responsibility of writing a letter to China asking for permission to disclose some information in the contract, because in the past no letter had been made, so I had to ask for permission first. It is considered international etiquette. And China allowed the navy to reveal as necessary. Until 2019, China wrote a letter to the Thai navy informing them that there would be a problem with the engine. Because Germany doesn’t allow it. which the navy representative in China Many letters have been written in response. To confirm the original demand was a German engine. We have taken every possible step. and all former commanders negotiated with Germany. Including embassy negotiations”
Admiral Adung said that until 2021, China received a letter saying that it would not be possible. Let’s come together to find a solution. Admiral Cherngchai Chomchoengphaet, former Commander-in-Chief of the previous Navy, gave the Department of the Navy Traveled to inspect the CHD 620 engine produced in China and tested every dimension. Test the machine by running for 200 hours without stopping. Everything was done according to the agreement. As a result, there was a report to the former navy commander that the engine should be OK. Until it was the source of a letter being signed to the Ministry of Defense requesting permission to change the submarine’s engine. It is considered the best solution that the Navy can do.
The government gives the Navy money to buy submarines. The Navy can do its job in purchasing submarines. We have no duty to tell you to change to another boat. Because according to fiscal regulations regarding procurement and Government Supplies Management Act 2017 gives money to buy a submarine, must get a submarine When the matter comes to the new government The Navy must thank the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for helping negotiate with Germany and China. Which is still the same answer. So it came to the stage where I thought about what I should do. If the submarine reaches a dead end, what boat should we offer? He had asked that this money be the money of the Navy. Buy weapons for the navy A suitable ship is a surface ship. Let me emphasize that surface ships Let’s not talk about frigates or OPVs or whatever. He will take responsibility for thinking about it.
Admiral Adung said that there are many factors involved in purchasing a ship. Because there are still many steps to negotiate. At this time, the Ministry of Defense has written a letter to the Judge Advocate General’s Department. By inquiring about amending the contract, who will approve it, the Cabinet or the Council, as well as what the various procedures are? At the same time, the Navy has written a letter to the Attorney General’s Office asking about 3 issues: 1. The engine modification is a material matter. Or not? 2. What are the steps to changing a submarine? Not just staying still. Will be told that it can be changed. 3. Approved to modify the engine. Who has the power?
Admiral Adung also said that he would like to wait for an answer from the Attorney General. This takes approximately 30 days after the letter is sent. Then the Ministry of Defense and navy Will consider how to move forward. Please remain calm and confirm that the Navy will use its budget to its fullest potential. Responding to the duty of responsibility and sovereignty for the Thai people in the best possible way.
As for the contract, it will end on December 30, 2023. It’s not something to worry about. Everything can still move forward. Fines will be charged according to parcel regulations. But when there is reason to support the request for a reduction in fines Can be explained according to reason and necessity which confirms that The Navy will follow the regulations every step of the way, 15 days before the end of the contract. The Navy will send a notification letter. Ready to accept is difficult If it were easy, it would be done. But it must end in its own era. Because the contract will end What must be done clearly?
When asked, China did not accept a response if it was changed to a surface ship. The navy commander said Probably the same as usual because he was already half a ship later. Going to ask to cancel or change something is not easy. And changing to a surface ship is another company. If it’s the same company, we can still understand each other. Just wait for the time.
When asked whether there had been discussions with the government and the Minister of Defense about the need to change the submarine’s engine. Can we fight here? The navy commander said The battle here is that Admiral Choengchai has written a letter explaining that the Navy is moving forward but upper level executives have legal issues. which the Navy understands We accept the decision of the government and the defence. And finally, no matter what happens It will be the best answer for Thai people, I confirm.
When asked whether it is considered a turning point in whether there will be submarines or not in the era of the current Navy Commander-in-Chief. Admiral Adung admits that, yes, history is not important. May it be a transitional period and the right decisions will be made. He also explained to his supervisor that Chinese engines were developed from German engines produced in China. which has a license or license It’s just not the name of the MTU engine. Legally it can be understood. But in writing it is not easy.
“I understand the people who will sign the approval. because of concern We will do everything we can to make it go well. The signer was not worried. I admit that I was also impatient. and ask for the royal patronage to come Please help inspire this ship to end well,” the navy commander said…
