“Phumtham” still not aware that the US SEC has punished a private company for paying bribes to Thai Air Force officials, requests urgent action for the people first.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, spoke about the news that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had penalized Deere and Company, which operates a tractor business under the name John Deere, after information was found that it had paid bribes to Thai officials in the Air Force in exchange for business benefits. He said that he would see about it, but he did not know yet because the main mission at the moment is to help people affected by the floods, which is something that every agency must help take care of, whether it is the military, ministries, or departments. If we mix all the problems together, we cannot solve the problems. Today, we must take the things that are most damaging and have the most impact on the people and solve them first. As for other matters, we will gradually solve them
because the processes are moving forward without stopping. Please do your duty to allocate the people’s suffering. Let the hot issues end first, and other matters will follow. I would like to look at each matter individually because we cannot do anything immediately.
When asked about the policy to suppress corruption in the military, which the opposition has been watching and frequently discussing, regarding procurement, Mr. Phumtham stated that this is not a recent issue, but has been around for a long time. If it is a matter of a government agency, it is the matter of the NACC. But if it is a matter of politicians or ordinary people, it is the matter of the NACC. He sees that the process should go to the responsible agency. As for us, we may have to emphasize that we do not want to interfere in the existing process.
As for those who are criticizing, I think they have the right to criticize. Let’s follow the law.
When asked about the purchase of military weapons, which during the era of Mr. Sutin Khlangsa
eng, former Minister of Defense, regarding the policy of integrated procurement, by having every military have a joint committee, will he continue this matter or not? Mr. Phumtham said that now that we have come this far, we still have time to do various things. Right now, the people’s issues are the main issue. If asked about the Gripen aircraft or the submarine, it is an urgent matter that must be done. And after the important mission is accomplished, he asked to wait a little bit because we will meet many times and can ask questions.
Source: Thai News Agency