Navy to put off sub purchase

Navy to put off sub purchase

BANGKOK (AFP): Defense Minister Vichit Sookmark has told the
Thai navy to postpone its plans to buy two diesel-powered
submarines, saying the 15-billion-baht (US$600-million) price tag
is too high.

Vichit said on official Radio Thailand that he had ordered the
navy on Tuesday to delay the purchase because the cost would
exceed the total amount allocated to the navy for weapons
purchases.

The navy should re-evaluate its need for the submarines before
again asking to buy them, the minister added.

But a senior navy officer told the Bangkok Post he was stunned
by Vichit's order. The navy was working with the Budget Bureau
over the cost figure, he said.