Cabinet Approves Purchase Of 2 Helicopters

[george]

Cabinet approves purchase of 2 helicopters

BANGKOK: -- Thai cabinet has approved on Tuesday a one-billion baht budget for procurement of two helicopters for police use in the southernmost region.

Government spokesman Chaiya Yimwilai said police would procure the two new helicopters, to add to a fleet of three currently deployed in the Deep South region.

The planned purchase of the two helicopters followed last month's incident in which one police helicopter crashed in a dam in Narathiwat, killing the pilots and some others onboard.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont commented the police should not use the helicopters in bad weather conditions over the southernmost provinces unless it was very necessary.

Also, the use of aircraft for security and other related missions should be shared among the army, navy, air force and police.

--TNA 2007-12-05

[george]

1 Billion? So how much was the price of one helicopter?

500 Million baht?

[Tywais]

1 Billion? So how much was the price of one helicopter?

500 Million baht?

That's around 14 Million USD which seems pretty steep. Must include maintenance costs for the next xx years. Below is an example of a well equipped police helicopter and costs around 2.2 Million dollars which is around 74 Million Baht.

But I guess import duties with engines larger then 3 liters must be a killer.

[raslin]

Of course, they could always sell the rusting aircraft carrier. That would contribute to the cost a bit.

[Big A]

Also, the use of aircraft for security and other related missions should be shared among the army, navy, air force and police.

...and Sgt Nop's bicycle!!

[Johpa]

Of course, they could always sell the rusting aircraft carrier. That would contribute to the cost a bit.

How dare you mock the mighty HTMS Chakri Naruebet! I can not think of a no more deserving home for a $15 million dollar helicopter than upon the decks of the mightiest carrier in the world. Is there not a more symbolic coupling in a land whose symbol is none other than a white elephant and where everything is for sale.

[Ricardo]

So now there will be no problem, picking mushrooms, down South ?

[Gravelrash]

So now there will be no problem, picking mushrooms, down South ?

Very good

[geriatrickid]

Since I was beaten to the mushroom comment, I'll settle for suggesting they fund the costs of maintaing the aircraft by taking friends, families and tourists sightseeing. Of course Thai nationals would pay 1/10 the fee of farangs..............