THERE is heavy criticism on Thai social media today (July 17) after news spread that the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has proposed to buy to two to three more submarines but later a spokesman came out to clarify that it is just performing its duty in submitting this purchase plan, Thai Rath newspaper said this afternoon.
RTN spokesman Admiral Chettha Jaipiam said it is normal procedure to submit a procurement proposal with all ministries, bureaus and departments likewise doing so but whether the planned purchase is approved or not depends on the Parliament committee.
He underscored that there is no hidden agenda in tabling this proposal to buy more submarines
Another issue that irked Thai netizens is the publication of a secret letter dated June 25, 2021 that Mr. Sjoerd Hubben, vice president for global corporate affairs of AstraZeneca Inc , allegedly sent to Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, with this also forwarded to Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the head of the Disease Control Department, notifying that Thailand initially only accept 3 million doses a month, with this country being the last to be so informed within Asean.
This led to strong criticism on social with Thai hashtags #KillerGovernment and #PrayutGetOut trending on Twitter.
Another key reason for the anger is that Thailand logged its highest ever single-day Covid count this morning with this soaring to 10,082 new cases and 141 deaths despite a lockdown in 10 provinces.
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