Phumtham” reveals that the issue of extending the contract to change the submarine’s engine has not yet been decided. He wants to hear the details first. He insists that the project will not be terminated. He also ordered the army to report the issue of the soldier who was beaten to death. He emphasized that he will look into every issue and will not abandon Gripen, military conscription, and weapons.
Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, said that yesterday he had the army report on the submarines and the military draft, what had happened in the past, and he had told those involved who had clear information to come and explain to him because it was a matter that had to be decided and the deadline had passed. If he were to extend the deadline, he would have to know all the facts first to decide what to do. So he had not made a decision yet.
As for the submarine issue, do we need to ask for clear information before bringing it to the cabinet meeting? Mr. Phumtham said to l
et them tell him. This matter is sensitive and complicated. So he wants to hear what the matter is and why the time has been extended, including why it must be bought or not. He wants to understand the facts before making a decision.
When asked if there was a plan to end the submarine issue, Mr. Phumtham said there was not, and he wanted to hear the facts first. When asked if there had been discussions about the submarine engines, which would be changed to Chinese engines, Mr. Phumtham said that yesterday, they only talked about the background, how did this project start? From now on, he asked for time to bring the facts to question, spending 2-3 hours or half a day on this issue.
When asked about the issue of changing the submarine engines, it is still a problem, who will have the authority and whether the Cabinet will have to approve it, Mr. Phumtham said that he would like to listen to everything first. If it is clear that it must be brought to the Cabinet meeting, it must be brought to the Cabinet meeti
ng. However, if it is a matter that the Minister of Defense can decide on, he is ready to make a decision right away.
As for whether the contract or previous agreements need to be amended, Mr. Phumtham said that he does not know yet. He insisted that he will not abandon any matter. He will look at each matter because he is new. He must be fair with past decisions and then see whether they are right or wrong or what will be of immediate benefit at this time. Then he will make a decision.
For the progress of the Air Force’s purchase of the “Gripen” aircraft, Mr. Phumtham said that there are many issues, many matters. He looks at everything, both personnel, military conscription, weapons, weapons process adjustments, and the Gripen aircraft because it’s not just us who are interested. Other countries are also interested, whether it’s the Gripen, the submarines, military exercises, bribery, etc. Let’s ask to look at everything in detail and then we’ll talk.
When asked about the case of the relatives of the sol
dier who was beaten to death who requested justice, did the House of Representatives Military Committee receive a report on this matter? Mr. Phumtham said that he had received a report and was calling for details to be provided to him.
Source: Thai News Agency