Thai Army Denies Mess Tray Overpricing Amid Budget Scrutiny

[snoop1130]

 

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) firmly denied allegations from the opposition People’s Party (PP) about overpricing mess trays during the national budget expenditure bill review. The PP claimed the army overspent on 10,000 mess trays, citing excessive budget allocations.

 

Deputy RTA spokesperson Colonel Richa Suksuwanon clarified on September 5 that the trays, funded under the 2024 budget, are made from high-quality SUS 304 food-grade stainless steel, 0.8 millimetres thick, and used extensively. Col. Richa emphasised their durability and frequent usage, noting that each tray costs 520 baht, aligned with discounted rates from top brands like Zebra and Seagull.

 

Countering the opposition, Col. Richa stated that cheaper alternatives, priced at 360 to 380 baht, are made from inferior stainless steel and are unsuitable for long-term use. He reassured that the contracted price was competitive and justified.

 

 

 

 

PP list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn critiqued the army’s expenditures, suggesting a 1.5 million baht reduction in the defence budget. He also questioned the licensing and procurement practices of the firm awarded the contract.

 

The debate underscores ongoing tensions over defence spending, spotlighting the need for transparency and prudent financial management in public expenditures.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-06

 

 

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[brianthainess]

19 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

that the trays, funded under the 2024 budget, are made from high-quality SUS 304 food-grade stainless steel, 0.8 millimetres thick, and used extensively.

If they are that good why did they need to buy 10,000 more ? what happened to the old ones ? has the army suddenly increased it's ranks ? 520 baht ? I think they have added a zero

 

 

 

[steven100]

hard to believe they are squabbling over 520 baht mess trays when a submarine costs 13.5 BILLION baht 

and the Griphan fighter jets will be another 19 BILLION baht 

 

damn,  we have to save 250 baht on each mess tray ....  

[BangkokReady]

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

hard to believe they are squabbling over 520 baht mess trays when a submarine costs 13.5 BILLION baht 

and the Griphan fighter jets will be another 19 BILLION baht 

 

damn,  we have to save 250 baht on each mess tray ....  

 

To be fair, if they bought 10,000 of them, that's 5,200,000.

[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, steven100 said:

damn,  we have to save 250 baht on each mess tray

Redistribution of funds must be considered.

[Andycoops]

No doubt the vendor supplying the trays has inside connections or is a company run by army officers, such is the level of corruption 

[ujayujay]

Old trick, pretend to buy top brands and bill the state when in reality you are getting cheap junk from China....

[PETERTHEEATER]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

.......0.8 millimetres thick,......

Single-use foil trays.....😋