Politics
Opposition MP Questions Police EOD Suit Procurement Costs
A People's Party MP has raised concerns in Parliament regarding the high cost of bomb disposal suits purchased by the police force.
During the fourth day of the House of Representatives' debate on the 2027 fiscal budget, People's Party MP Squadron Leader Kittipong Piyawannoh highlighted potential irregularities in police procurement. According to a report by Khaosod Online, the MP alleged that the police force purchased explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) suits at a price of 600,000 baht per unit. He noted that this figure is approximately 15 times higher than the current market rate, which he estimated to be between 40,000 and 140,000 baht.
Kittipong suggested that the authorities should instead consider utilizing robots or collaborating with military EOD equipment to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The discussion took place during the second and third readings of the 3.78 trillion baht budget bill, presided over by Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Pattanachaikul.
For residents and travellers, this report serves as a reminder of the ongoing parliamentary oversight regarding public spending in Thailand. While the allegations have sparked a debate on fiscal responsibility, it remains to be confirmed whether an official investigation into the procurement process will be launched or if the police department will provide a formal justification for the pricing discrepancy. As the budget bill continues its legislative journey, further updates on government spending transparency may follow.
