The Royal Thai Army has firmly denied the explosive allegations hurled by the opposition People’s Party (PP) during the high-stakes parliamentary scrutiny of the national budget expenditure bill. At the crux of the controversy is the purchase of approximately 10,000 mess trays at allegedly exorbitant prices.
During the recent budget review session, PP, spearheaded by outspoken MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, accused the army of spending an unjustifiably large portion of its budget on these mess trays. The claim is that the trays were procured at prices significantly higher than the market norm.
Stepping up to the podium to defend the army, Col Richa Suksuwanon, the army’s deputy spokesman, insisted the food trays purchased were of an exceptional standard. These were no ordinary trays – they were made of SUS 304 food-grade stainless steel, each 0.8 millimeters thick, crafted for longevity and used thrice daily.
The e-bidding process, which saw the army acquiring these premium trays, resulted in a winning quote of 520 baht apiece. Col Richa asserted this pricing is nearly identical to what leading kitchenware brands Zebra and Seagull charge for similar trays when on discount. To put it into perspective, Zebra’s standard price tags these trays at 650 baht each, with promotional deals lowering that to 515 baht. Seagull, another heavyweight in the kitchenware arena, prices its trays at 619 baht, offering discounts down to 520 baht.
In an intense parliamentary session, Mr. Wiroj suggested the army could have opted for trays sold at a retail price ranging from 360 to 380 baht. Col Richa was quick to dismiss these claims, highlighting that trays available at such prices are made with inferior stainless steel, only 0.5 millimeters thick and not suitable for the rigorous daily use expected by the army.
Mr. Wiroj, unimpressed and relentless in his pursuit to slash what he perceives as unnecessary defence spending, pointed out the discrepancy in prices alone warranted a reduction of 1.5 million baht from the next fiscal year’s defence budget. The fiscal year, he reminded the house, is just around the corner, set to commence next month.
The debate took a suspenseful turn when Mr. Wiroj suggested the company that secured the food tray contract might not even hold a licence to produce stainless steel kitchenware. He speculated that the winning bidder might have sourced the trays from well-known manufacturers and then sold them to the army at a premium price.
The intrigue woven into the fabric of this parliamentary debate underscores the vigilance required in budgetary scrutiny and the balancing act between maintaining quality and ensuring fiscal responsibility within government spending.
As the clock ticks down to the new fiscal year, all eyes will be on the final decisions regarding the defence budget. One thing is clear: this debate on mess trays may seem mundane on the surface, but it encapsulates larger themes of accountability, transparency, and the critical evaluation of how public funds are spent.
520 baht for a food tray? That’s highway robbery! How can the army justify such an expense?
It’s about the quality, Jane. You get what you pay for. The army needs durable trays that can withstand heavy daily use.
But do they really need top-tier trays for soldiers? This is a perfect example of unnecessary military spending.
Totally agree, Samantha! If regular canteens can make do with cheaper trays, why can’t the army?
Overspending on trays while other critical sectors suffer? Misallocation of resources at its finest.
I bet there’s some backdoor deal going on. Who’s getting a cut from these overpriced trays?
Wouldn’t be surprised. Corruption is always lurking around the corner with government contracts.
That’s a serious accusation. We need solid evidence before jumping to conclusions.
Tony, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Someone has to keep them honest!
People don’t get it. Quality isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity in military contexts.
But Larry, doesn’t the military have better things to spend money on than fancy trays?
Emily, these aren’t fancy. They are durable and safe for repeated use. It’s about long-term investment.
MP Wiroj is a hero! Exposing wasteful spending and holding the army accountable!
Maybe MP Wiroj is just stirring the pot for his own political gain. Ever think of that?
Joe, don’t be naive. We need people like Wiroj to keep the government in check.
If Seagull and Zebra can charge less for similar trays, why can’t the army get a better deal?
Susan, it’s likely the army went for the easiest procurement process, not the cheapest.
But this is exactly what’s wrong with our system! Lazy and expensive solutions.
What about the company without the license? That’s the real scandal here.
Rick, you’re right. If true, that should disqualify them from getting any government contract.
This points to deeper issues within our procurement processes. We need stricter oversight.
And MP Wiroj should back his claims with evidence. Wild accusations help no one.
I agree with Larry D. While it’s good to scrutinize, baseless accusations damage credibility.
Chrissy, maybe Wiroj has the evidence, and it’s just not public yet. Let’s wait and see.
This debate shows the importance of transparency in all government spending.
George, transparency is key, but so is accountability. Officials need to answer for these discrepancies.
I think some are making a mountain out of a molehill. There are bigger issues at play.
What bigger issues, Tommy? Every baht counts, especially when it’s public money.
This level of scrutiny should extend to all sectors, not just the military.
Seriously, when will we start prioritizing education and healthcare the way we do defense?
MP Wiroj is setting an example that other MPs should follow. We need more watchdogs.
Col. Richa’s defense seems weak. The pricing still doesn’t add up.
The army needs top-quality equipment, but this sounds like someone is milking the budget.
Just because something is ‘premium’ doesn’t mean it’s not overpriced. Open your eyes, folks!
We should be pushing for independent audits of such spending to eliminate any doubts.
Looks like another case of overspending in the defense sector while citizens struggle.