By Thai Newsroom Reporters
THE THAI navy’s project to procure a South Korean-built frigate might probably be put on hold after an appeal has been formally filed by a Thai industry association in regard to domestic resources for use with it, an admiral said today (Sep.14).
Navy spokesperson Rear-Adm. Parat Ratanachaipan admitted that the planned procurement of the Thai navy’s eighth frigate from South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, previously Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., and calculated to cost 16.73 billion baht, might be indefinitely suspended, pending technical investigation following the appeal recently lodged by the Industry for National Defence & Security Association to the State Audit Office and the South Korean embassy in Bangkok.
However, the navy spokesperson contended that the entire frigate procurement plan will be implemented in transparent and cost-effective fashion though it remains to be seen in what year the Hanwha Ocean shipbuilding will be completed and the boat be delivered to the Thai navy.
Industry for National Defence & Security Association chair Manat Wongwat who has filed the appeal remarked today (Sep.14) no domestic industry has been picked for use as part of the planned construction of the South Korean frigate despite domestic resources being readily available such as construction materials, components, Thai workers and relevant services.
Manat, a former air force chief, said the commanding admirals had apparently failed to consult his association for their latest plan to purchase the frigate prior to the making of a Terms Of Reference paper on it.
Besides, the association chair cast doubts about feasibility of an offset policy for the navy’s frigate project whose value has substantially increased from 2.25 billion baht to seven billion baht.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, delivered to the Thai navy by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, the predecessor of Hanwha Ocean. Photo – MNG Online
Also read:
Energy protesters contront PM at Gastech exhibition
People’s leader joins ‘Indict the 229 Senators’ campaign
Sarcasm launched on House floor over hush-hush ties between election commissioners. Newin
Several among 22 Bhumjaithai figures might be sued in Supreme Court over senatorial rigging plot
Election Commissioners might be sued in Constitutional Court over senatorial rigging conspiracy
A few more Bhumjaithai ministers emerge alongside Anutin, Newin over senatorial rigging plot
Sondhi kicks off multi-provincial tour with Israeli embassy being first stop
Rewat sets up party of his own to combat graft in govt, drug dealers
Pheu Thai MPs tipped to abstain from voting for PM after censure debate
25 years later, WoT has the “War on Terror” achieved?
