The government yesterday was criticized over the Defence Ministry’s weapons procurement plans.
Shots were fired by deputy Pheu Thai Party leader Yuttapong Charasathien who says a number of procurement projects lack transparency and spending is too high.
Yuttapong criticized the navy’s request of almost 41 million baht for a number of weapons systems, but in particular its decision to buy a Chinese-made S26T submarine without an engine.
The Royal Thai Navy defended buying the submarine without an engine saying it needed specific engine design specifications. The navy added China will have to honour the contract between the two nations and talks are scheduled next Thursday to discuss the matter with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co.
The submarine is due to be delivered in 2024.
The opposition deputy also questioned the navy’s planned purchase of three Israeli-made…
