24 Agustus 2020
The Chinese-made Yuan-class sub has an air independent propulsion system that allows it to stay submerged for up to three weeks (photo : Bangkok Post)
Many strongly opposed the Thai Navy's plan to buy two Yuan-class submarines for $ 713 million, in the context of the country's economic damage due to the pandemic.
According to the Bangkok Post, the subcommittee in charge of procurement of public property in the House of Thailand voted to spend $ 713 million on the deal on August 21.
In the subcommittee there was a heated debate between the representatives of the Navy and members opposing this plan.
Critics have previously pressured the Thai House of Representatives to reconsider the procurement plan, in the context of the country's economy needing great support to overcome the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Thai Navy said a memorandum for the purchase of three submarines was signed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha with the Chinese defense minister. The contract to buy the first has been completed, the submarine is expected to be handed over by China in 2024.
"I am one of the members of the subcommittee that opposes the procurement plan. The Navy insists on this contract for maritime security. However, I think the country is grappling with economic problems." People are going through difficult times, "said Yutthapong Jarassathian, MP of the Pheu Thai party.
At the voting, the number of votes for and against the plan was all 4. In the end, the chairman of the subcommittee Supol Fongngam, a member of the Palang Pracharath party loyal to the military faction, voted to approve the plan. buy submarines.
Krumanit Sangphum, MP of the Pheu Thai party, said the plan to buy submarines is not necessary in the context of the Thai economy facing many difficulties.
"We have no objections, but want to postpone this plan. Over the past five years, the military has spent more budget than any other ministry," said Krumanit.
According to The Nation, the voting information made the Thai online community angry. Many accused MPs of advocating the wasteful procurement of taxpayers' money when millions were in financial trouble because of the COVID-19 epidemic.
The online community of this country has shared the names of parliamentarians to vote in favor, calling on people not to vote for them in the upcoming elections.
(KienThuc)