Subs plan could sink govt fortunesIn this 2017 file photo, Adm Luechai Ruddit, then Navy chief of staff, middle, chairman of the navy's submarine procurement management panel, addresses a press conference to defend the controversial submarine purchase. Yutthapong Jarassathian, a Pheu Thai Party MP and a subcommittee member, said the purchase was subject to fierce debate with no conclusion. This trend has become clear since the NCPO's time as the military budget keeps climbing. The strong desire to purchase submarines prompted speculation about the vested interests of some people concerned, in the form of commissions, perhaps. In short, China has obtained a big chunk of the military budget.

Source: Bangkok Post August 23, 2020 23:15 UTC