MFP alleges govt embezzlement in RTN frigate procurement

[webfact]

 

Thailand’s leading opposition group the Move Forward Party (MFP) has levelled charges at the government for alleged embezzlement about the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) planned acquisition of a new frigate.

 

The controversy, now infamously dubbed as the “change money” scandal, was brought into the limelight by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the MFP, on the final day of a general debate in Parliament that did not culminate in a censure vote. His allegations ignited a fiery exchange between the opposing factions of the government.

 

The “change money” scandal typically involves a buyer procuring a product at a pre-arranged inflated price, with the seller returning the difference between the actual and inflated price to the buyer. In the present scenario, this act is being interpreted as a purported attempt at state funds embezzlement.

Wiroj alleged that an RTN insider informed him about a government representative attempting to solicit the “change money” from the RTN’s frigate procurement funds, an offer that was refused by the navy. He claimed that a special House committee responsible for scrutinising the 2024 budget subsequently turned down the RTN’s budget request for the new frigate in the 2024 fiscal year and dismissed the RTN’s appeal against the decision.

According to Wiroj, the new frigate, which is planned to be locally assembled, is paramount to the RTN’s central mission as HTMS Rattanakosin is due for decommissioning in two years. He highlighted the impact of this on the country’s naval strength, claiming that only three frigates will remain in service, potentially insufficient for maritime defence missions.

 

Wiroj also emphasised the significance of the new frigate as the first of its kind to be assembled in Thailand. He claimed the assembly process would create jobs and income for local workers, facilitate the transfer of technical expertise in shipbuilding, and utilise locally sourced construction materials.

 

Frigate procurement

 

Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang affirmed that the frigate procurement project would continue as per schedule, despite the House committee rejecting the budget request. He suggested that the project would proceed in subsequent fiscal years, excluding the current 2024 fiscal year.

 

The RTN had earlier requested 17 billion baht from the 2024 budget to support its frigate procurement plans, with an estimated 1.7 billion baht earmarked for the first year. The new frigate is intended for deployment along the Andaman coast.

 

Shipyards from various countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and South Korea, in addition to local firms, have shown interest in constructing a frigate for the navy.

 

Responding to Wiroj’s allegations, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urged him to present evidence to substantiate his accusations.

 

“In principle, the procurement of a new frigate that will be locally assembled is a good idea. But several issues, such as international relations, must also be taken into account. Talks are being held to ensure the navy gets the best deal.”

 

He further expressed surprise at the MFP’s support for the frigate purchase project, given their previous suggestion to replace the navy’s warships with fishing trawlers. Defence Minister Sutin echoed this sentiment, noting the MFP’s annual opposition to military procurement projects, and expressing surprise at their support for the frigate purchase.

 

by Mitch Connor

Picture of Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05

 

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[dinsdale]

Who would have thought. Kickbacks at the highest levels. I hope there's some good evidence. 

[jollyhangmon]

 

... scandalous, frivolous - in fact utterly heretical allegations, I mean the SD (*) himself already stated there's NO proof which should be proof enough, no ...?

Also no precedent of such bad things happening in this here kingdom, ever, there ya go ...

 

 

 

(* Smiling Donkey)

[connda]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s leading opposition group the Move Forward Party (MFP) has levelled charges at the government for alleged embezzlement about the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) planned acquisition of a new frigate.

Which is one reason the Gen-X/Millennial based "youthful" new party poses an existential threat to the old guard and the status-quo.  And why lawfare will be dialed up to an "11" on the Spinal Tap dial in order to get rid of them.

 

 

Edited April 5 by connda

[TheFishman1]

Corruption from the top to the bottom TIT

[klauskunkel]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the new frigate, which is planned to be locally assembled

Ikea frigate? Where the heck is the bloody thing..., oh there it is! Instructions make no sense!

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The “change money” scandal typically involves a buyer procuring a product at a pre-arranged inflated price, with the seller returning the difference between the actual and inflated price to the buyer. In the present scenario, this act is being interpreted as a purported attempt at state funds embezzlement.

 

As if evidence will lead directly to certain influential people.

Change money will be discreetly transferred to certain mule accounts and later sorted out.

 

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urged him to present evidence to substantiate his accusations.

Maybe only if the Srettha government has in fact implemented The Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, 2022 that PM Prayut attempted to delay in 2023? Without it, who'll come forward to substantiate military corruption?

[jcmj]

When was the last time Thailand was threatened by war. They take no sides and always dance in the middle. I just don’t understand why they need to spend so much on this when they have many other things they need. 

[cowellandrew]

And the money has disappeared quicker than a Chinese sub with no engine!

😂

[RobU]

It seems that the RTN behaved honourably and refused to become involved in this scam.

EITHER

The RTN was then punished by the politicians on the special house committee who refused to authorise the 2024 procurement budget

OR

The committee refused to authorise the falsely inflated budget on the advice of the RTN

 

As usual the Thaiger does not clarify

 

Edited April 6 by RobU

[cncltd1973]

of course. it would be surprising if corruption wasn't involved in the process.