AN ARMY spokesman today (Aug. 5) lambasted a People’s MP who raised questions about the quality and cost-effectiveness of bunkers built along the Thai-Cambodian border at Chanthaburi and Trat provinces after Gen. Sarawut Chanphum, commander of Thai Army Development Command, had already on Monday (Aug. 3) confirmed that they were strong, Naewna newspaper said.
Mr. Chat Suphatwanich, People’s MP for Nakhon Ratchasima and third deputy chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee, had questioned whether these bunkers were worthwhile and sturdy after receiving complaints together with photographic evidence that this might not be the case.
Gen. Sarawut said that the Thai Army Development Command was responsible for the project to construct 100 bunkers for border defence forces, with a budget of approximately 15.418 million baht from the Hathaitip Fund (Phase 2). Construction and installation are now 100 percent complete with 54 located in the Burapha Task Force area, eight in the Suranaree Task Force area, and 38 in the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Task Force area. All bunkers are operational.
He added that these bunkers were built with high-quality SCG concrete slabs, ensuring their stability and strength, and ability to withstand the impact of 81mm mortar rounds. The troops currently using them are also confident of their safety.
Gen. Sarawut also mentioned that these complaints were definitely not from the Thai Army Development Command, as their operations prioritise the safety of border forces.
This morning Maj. Gen.Vithai Laithomya, an army spokesperson, posted a message on his Facebook page, Nut Vithai Laithomya, that said, “Is this the ‘qualified person’ selected to be the ‘Deputy Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee’ of the Thai House of Representatives? You don’t need to be an MP; just act like a ‘person’ born in Thailand.”
He also posted an image of the People’s Party MP with a caption: “Receiving a complaint: Is the budget for the Chanthaburi-Trat border bunker construction worthwhile? MP Chat Suphattravanich, deputy chairman of the Military Affairs Committee.”
Many people commented, such as “Is he an MP?” “Having MPs like this is a waste of public funds,” “I completely agree, the cement hasn’t even set yet in the picture,” and “It’s such a mess… Whoever elected them should realise their mistake.”
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Maj. Gen.Vithai Laithomya and an image of People’s MP Chat Suphatwanich he posted on Facebook. Photo – Naewna
First insert: Gen. Sarawut Chanphum next to a bunker. Photo – PPTVHD36
Second insert: People’s MP Chat Suphatwanich showing an image of an alleged shoddily built bunker. Photo – Naewna
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