Srisuwan questions timing of weapons purchase

[webfact]

Srisuwan questions timing of weapons purchase

By THE NATION

 

M1126 Stryker

 

SRISUWAN JANYA, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, has objected to the Army’s announcement that it will purchase “M1126 Stryker” infantry carrier vehicles worth US$80 million (Bt2.5 billion) from the US.

 

His statement said the purchase is uncalled for as Thailand is still suffering from an economic slowdown and that a new government has yet to be formed. 

 

“Making such a move at a time when all eyes on the shaping of a new government is a shameful attempt to avoid criticism,” Srisuwan’s statement said. 

 

He also questioned whether the purchase would benefit Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong, who completed his Masters’ in the US and had undergone extensive training there since initially serving as First Army Region chief until he became known as an “American-style Army chief”. 

 

Srisuwan’s statement argued that the move also went against the policy of Asean countries, which are aiming to reduce weaponry and shifting their focus to establishing strong economies that narrow social gaps and promote people’s well-being. 

 

“Thais are facing difficulties from economic slowdown, with farm products fetching historically low prices. Why would the Army want to step back to the old era of war and buy weapons? Wouldn’t it be better if no weapons are purchased when a new chief lands in the top position? Can that trend start with this new Army chief?” Srisuwan asked. 

 

The purchase of 37 fully-equipped infantry carrier vehicles, which will come with another 23 free vehicles, will be made through the US government’s Foreign Military Sales programme, which involves the transfer of war equipment to their international partners. The 37 vehicles will be used at the 11th Infantry Division in Chachoengsao province, while the remainder would be distributed among other military units.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30369398

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-05-15

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[unamazedloso]

Have to get the US on side and at the same time get some more anti junta crowd control equipment because that's all this rubbish is good for.

[nickstav]

Srisuwan should be careful. It could be said he's guilty of "incorrect thinking".

[YetAnother]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Why would the Army want to step back to the old era of war and buy weapons?

wouldn't have anything to do with 'they are the military in a military government and can do anything they want with no oversight and spending other peoples' money is fun', would it ?

[colinneil]

So Sriuwan is concerned about the Army buying Strykers from  the US.

There are 2 reasons why they are being purchased now, first reason being the BIG brown envelopes.

Second reason is they are more use than tanks when being used to keep the peasants in line.

[boonrawdcnx]

The US should be ashamed of themselves selling military hardware to a country that uses it’s army mainly against it’s own civilian population!


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[tominbkk]

The Golden Rule - Those with the gold, rule.

[nasa123]

This Government has borrowed 241,180,333 Million US dollars the last 5 years from the Norwegian pension fund (Norwegian People's Pension Money).                                                 

[mikebell]

The Thai Army eh?  You've got to hand it to them: ..... or else.

[neeray]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Srisuwan’s statement argued that the move also went against the policy of Asean countries, which are aiming to reduce weaponry and shifting their focus to establishing strong economies that narrow social gaps and promote people’s well-being.

The above sounds like positive leadership, a great goal. Too bad Thailand didn't adhere to it.

Narrowing social gaps would just be "too much happiness".

[Eric Loh]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

SRISUWAN JANYA, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, has objected to the Army’s announcement that it will purchase “M1126 Stryker” infantry carrier vehicles worth US$80 million (Bt2.5 billion) from the US.

Still a loyalist lackey. Can only muster a cursory objection falling short of demanding an investigation like he did with the FFP's leaders.  

[IAMHERE]

15 hours ago, webfact said:

which will come with another 23 free vehicles,

What? 

[geoffbezoz]

12 hours ago, colinneil said:

So Sriuwan is concerned about the Army buying Strykers from  the US.

There are 2 reasons why they are being purchased now, first reason being the BIG brown envelopes.

Second reason is they are more use than tanks when being used to keep the peasants in line.

Didn't need them previously though. Just used snipers to kill a nurse in the WAT. No additional weaponry needed.

[Wilsonandson]

Nice!

 

[Denim]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

SRISUWAN JANYA, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution

 

Which constitution is he protecting ? The ones that were ripped up by the Junta ? Bit late for that .

[chama]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

“Making such a move at a time when all eyes on the shaping of a new government is a shameful attempt to avoid criticism,”

Gee...that's unusual for the junta!