The Thai Army is in urgent need of razor wire, to erect fences along the border with Cambodia, so it has sought donations from the public instead of using its own budget, the procedures for which take at least one month to complete, said Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree.
Many have raised questions over the Thai Army’s appeal, saying it should use its own budget, or the government’s, instead of relying on donations from the public. They also ask where the military’s money has gone.
On August 12, the Facebook page of the Second Army Region posted a request for public support in donating large quantities of the wire for use in protecting Thailand’s sovereignty.
Those who wish to donate may contact Lt Col Suriyawut Sukkhlueang, Civil Affairs Division, Suranaree Task Force, Mueang district, Surin province, Tel. 09-3591-6946.
Winthai explained that both the government and the army have sufficient budget, but are constrained by procurement procedures and bypassing these regulations could leave the procurement officer liable to prosecution.
Given the urgent need for the wire, especially in the four border provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buri Ram, the army decided to seek donations to meet immediate requirements.
However acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai said he disagreed with the Second Army Region’s appeal for public donations, to purchase barbed wire, saying that the army could ask directly for funding from the government, without the need to solicit public donations and risk “misunderstanding.”
