Committee probes new frigate dealThe opposition-controlled House committee on national security has vowed to carefully scrutinise the navy's decision to accept a frigate in lieu of a submarine it had ordered from a Chinese shipbuilder, saying the deal puts the government at a disadvantage. Rangsiman Rome, committee chairman and Move Forward Party (MFP) MP, said yesterday a probe will be launched into the decision. He said any contractual changes must be agreed by both parties, in this case, the Royal Thai Navy and the Chinese shipbuilder. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang chose the frigate option, saying a new frigate would bring the navy closer to its target of having at least eight frigates capable of defending Thailand's maritime territory. Also, if the navy is looking for a frigate, it should shop around with manufacturers in other countries, Mr Rome added.
