Royal Thai Navy denies nepotism claim by MFP MPA lack of sufficient documents from bidders is the reason the Royal Thai Navy is scrapping its first auction to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, according to Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesman Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin. According to Mr Jirat, the RTN had approved a 200-million-baht budget to salvage the ship and organised an auction in August. About 15 bidders submitted documents on Aug 25 as required in the terms of service, but a "controversial" company submitted its bid three days later and received approval to participate, he said. He said the Royal Thai Fleet Division is assigned to supervise the ship salvage, adding it has set up a committee for the bidding process. "I would like to assure [the public] that the hiring of a ship salvage company and the acquisition of rescue equipment by the RTN are being processed with transparency."

Source: Bangkok Post September 15, 2023 11:23 UTC