News
Ryal Thai Navy appeal for frigate procurement funds rejected
In a recent development, the special House committee responsible for scrutinizing the 2024 budget in Thailand has rejected a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) appeal for budgetary funds for the procurement of a new frigate. This decision comes after Admiral Adoong Pan-iam, the commander of RTN, appealed against the subcommittee’s rejection, highlighting the crucial need for a new frigate to strengthen the nation’s maritime defenses. The rejection was made with a vote of 37 against and 16 in favor, with six abstentions. The RTN intends to submit another request in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Royal Thai Navy had previously requested 17 billion baht from the 2024 budget to finance its frigate procurement plan, which it planned to implement over five years. Around 1.7 billion baht was slated for expenditure in the first year. The navy’s request was aimed at replacing its aging frigates, with plans to retire HTMS Chao Phraya and HTMS Bang Pakong in 2026, followed by HTMS Naresuan in 2034 and HTMS Taksin in 2035. The new frigate, once procured, would be stationed along the Andaman Coast, according to navy sources.
Reasons for Rejection
The rejection of the RTN’s appeal can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the budgetary constraints faced by the government may have played a significant role. With competing priorities and limited resources, the government may have deemed the procurement of a new frigate as not urgent or essential at this time. Additionally, there may have been concerns about the transparency and accountability of the procurement process, prompting the House committee to reject the appeal.
Impact on National Security
The rejection of the RTN’s appeal raises concerns about the impact on Thailand’s national security. The navy plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s territorial sovereignty, and the lack of a new frigate could hinder its ability to fulfill its core mission. With plans to retire its current frigates in the coming years, the RTN faces a pressing need to acquire new vessels to maintain its operational capabilities.
Future Plans and Challenges
Despite the rejection, the RTN remains committed to its frigate procurement plan and intends to submit another request in the upcoming fiscal year. However, the navy may face challenges in securing the necessary funds, given the government’s budgetary constraints. Additionally, the delay in acquiring a new frigate could impact the navy’s operational readiness and ability to respond to emerging security threats in the region.
The rejection of the Royal Thai Navy’s appeal for frigate procurement funds highlights the challenges faced by the government in balancing competing priorities and limited resources. While the navy remains committed to its procurement plan, the lack of a new frigate could impact Thailand’s national security and the navy’s operational capabilities. It remains to be seen how the RTN will navigate these challenges and secure the necessary funds for its frigate procurement plan in the future.
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Pattaya —
A group of six boys and two girls, whose ages only range from 14 to 16 years old, were arrested by Pattaya Police on Monday, July 29th, for carrying samurai swords and several other weapons.
The arrest occurred around 6 PM near the Pattaya Police Station’s Dongtan substation. Police confiscated three samurai swords, each measuring around 30-50 cm long, six pocket knives, and three brass knuckles from the teens, who were found gathering among a large number of unsuspecting tourists.The arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen who observed the teens drawing their weapons into view.
Police quickly arrived to find the group visibly nervous and, upon searching, discovered the guns hidden in their pants and bags.
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The teenagers claimed that they were carrying the weapons to assist a friend who had allegedly been kidnapped and assaulted by unknown assailants.
They stated that they brought the guns for self-defense while attempting to help their friend. However, the police were unconvinced by their explanation and took them into custody at Pattaya Police Station’s Dongtan substation.
The teens’ parents were contacted to come and potentially face legal action.
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Pattaya —
Pattaya City has suspended nine beach umbrella operators for unfair practices against tourists during the recent extended holiday in Thailand.
Mr. Wuttisak Rermkijakarn, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, announced that this decision followed complaints from tourists about some umbrella vendors’ unfair practices, particularly during Thailand’s recent three-day holiday period.
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Among the nine operators, eight are first-time offenders and have been ordered to cease operations for two weeks, from July 30th to August 15th, 2024. One repeat offender operator faces a two-month suspension from July 30th to October 1st, 2024.
Mr. Wuttisak warned that any operators violating the city’s regulations a third time would face permanent license revocation.
The city’s regulations require vendors to pay an annual fee of only 750 baht and to treat tourists well, as positive experiences lead to good first impressions and better word-of-mouth promotion. Mr. Wuttisak emphasized the importance of beach umbrellas in providing convenience to tourists and urged all vendors to adhere to these guidelines.
Pattaya City has also set guidelines for umbrella operations, including a mandatory one-day off per month for vendors. During the low season, vendors must take two days off per month to help restore the beach’s natural beauty.
Mr. Wuttisak encouraged anyone experiencing unfair treatment by beach vendors to report it to Call Center 1337 or via the Pattaya City Mayor’s direct Facebook page. The city will investigate all complaints and act appropriately if violations are confirmed.
The details of how the operators exploited tourists were kept from the public and media.
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Sisaket —
At 9:30 PM on July 22nd, 2024, Mueang Sisaket police received a report of a shooting incident that left four people dead at a residence in Mueang, Sisaket.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of four victims: Duangduean, 41, a primary school principal; her new husband, Pramat, 39, a lawyer; Duangduean’s mother, Yokmanee, 66; and her brother-in-law, Bunluen, 61. Duangduean’s 10-year-old son survived the ordeal and sought help from neighbors.
According to Dutchadaporn, 63, Bunluen’s wife, the suspect is believed to be Pathapee, 42, Duangduean’s ex-husband and former school principal in Buriram. After their separation, Duangduean moved in with Pramat, her new husband, which allegedly fueled Pathapee’s resentment.
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The couple’s bitter disputes over property and defamation cases added to the tension. Pathapee had previously distributed threatening leaflets targeting his ex-wife.
Following the mass shooting, Pathapee fled, and Sisaket police pursued him in collaboration with Buriram authorities. They later found Pathapee dead in his car from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on a road in Buriram, bringing the total death toll from the tragic incident to five.
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