Thai Army chief irked by alleged helicopter corruption

BANGKOK, 26 July 2011 (NNT) – Thai Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha has slammed some media members and academics for making groundless accusations against the army over corruption in the helicopter maintenance budget in connection with the recent helicopter crashes.

General Prayut regarded the three helicopter crashes the greatest loss. He said the costs of armaments in the army are not worth a single life killed in the accidents while the army so far has been trying its best to take care of personnel at all levels.

The army chief stated that criticism can be made but must be based on facts and be fair for all sides. He claimed the helicopter crashes were accidents resulting from engine problems and superior forces at the same time. He said he told his personnel not to give up despite the situation while the army is indeed in sorrow for the losses.

General Prayut admitted that some media members and academics are pressuring him over the alleged corruption in helicopter maintenance budget which they cited as the cause of the accidents and losses. He uttered that the nation cannot go on if one can say anything freely without responsibility.