DPM Wissanu confirms transparency of submarine deal

 

 

BANGKOK, 15 May 2017 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has guaranteed the transparency of the procurement of Chinese submarines amid heavy criticism. 

DPM Wissanu said the cabinet had the power to endorse the submarine contract without having to go through the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) because it concerned national security. He confirmed that the process leading up to the signing of the deal last week had been transparent. 

The procurement contract as well as the actions of the officials involved are open to scrutiny, he stated. 

The Thai Navy led by Navy chief of staff, Adm Luechai Ruddit last week traveled to Beijing where he signed a 13.5-million-baht deal to purchase a Chinese-made submarine from China Shipbuilding and Offshore International (CSOC). 

The first installment is 700 million baht. 

Earlier this week, the Association of Organizations for the Protection of Thailand's Constitution filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman against the Thai Navy, for proceeding with the contract without soliciting public input.

 

-- nnt 2017-05-15

All good then. Now for whats really important... Nukes?

"we all live in a transparent submarine..."

The Beatles

well that's oh then because he said it was !!!!! case closed (found a loop hole )

The waters look murky to me.... 

 Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam may be contemptuously flipping the bird at the Association of Organizations for the Protection of Thailand's Constitution for their demand for plebeian input but one has to admire Wissanau's chutzpah in support of the Thai bathtub Admiral's purchase decision. 

the totality of the BS here; 'national security' ? REALLY ?

"Transparency", Junta-speak for "nothing to see here".

6 hours ago, webfact said:

it concerned national security

aka Article 44

'We do what we want, where we want and how we want' - case closed.

Transparency here color it black. It is so shameful to see the whole planet go down this militarization road. Poor are dying and going with out. What is there really left to protect besides the rich. 

As the amount involved in this deal is so miniscule, I for one am prepared to give him the benefit of any doubt.  

Just think hpw great the sub will look parked next to the aircraft carrier,  as a big tourist attraction.

Dare I ask what the terms of his guarantee are? What will the DPM offer as security if he is proved wrong?

Actually transparent submarines could be a good idea. They could take tourists round to see the dying coral, much like those glass bottomed boats.  At least the subs could be put to some use other than as barnacle magnets.

So transparency is only expected when convenient?