5-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Allegations of embezzlement have rocked the halls of parliament as the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) accuses the government of attempting to siphon budget funds earmarked for the navy’s acquisition of a new frigate.
The controversy, dubbed the “change money” scandal, came to light during Thursday’s parliamentary session, the culmination of a two-day general debate where no censure vote was cast. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MFP list MP, raised the issue, sparking a fiery exchange between government officials and opposition members.
In essence, the “change money” scandal involves the purchase of a product at an inflated price, with the seller returning the difference between the actual and inflated prices to the buyer. This practice, in this instance, is viewed as an alleged misappropriation of state funds.
According to Mr. Wiroj, a navy informant divulged that government officials attempted to coerce the navy into providing “change money” from the frigate procurement budget. However, the navy rebuffed these attempts. Consequently, a special House committee responsible for vetting the 2024 budget denied the navy’s request for frigate acquisition funds in the upcoming fiscal year. The committee also rejected the navy’s appeal against this decision.
Emphasizing the importance of the new frigate to the navy’s operations, Mr. Wiroj highlighted its critical role in maritime defence missions, particularly with the impending decommissioning of HTMS Rattanakosin in two years. With only three frigates in service, he expressed concerns over the adequacy of maritime defence capabilities.
Furthermore, Mr. Wiroj underscored the significance of local assembly of the new frigate, citing job creation, income generation for local workers, technology transfer in shipbuilding, and the use of domestically sourced construction materials.
However, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang affirmed that despite the budget committee’s rejection, plans for frigate acquisition remain intact, albeit potentially delayed to subsequent fiscal years.
The navy had initially sought 17 billion baht from the 2024 budget to finance the procurement plan, with an initial outlay of 1.7 billion baht. The prospective frigate is earmarked for deployment along the Andaman coast.
Meanwhile, responding to Mr. Wiroj’s allegations, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urged him to substantiate his claims with evidence, whilst affirming the importance of local frigate assembly. Defence Minister Sutin also expressed surprise at MFP’s support for the frigate purchase, given their historical opposition to military procurement projects.
