DEFENCE
The navy and Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat have been asked to hold fire on a vessel procurement scheme while it is probed for alleged irregularities.
A source in the navy said the Office of Auditor-General and the Office of Ombudsman have each launched probes into the procurement scheme.
The investigations were prompted by a complaint that Marsun Co, the winning bidder, might have been awarded the contract to supply three vessels worth 553.5 million baht in a dubious manner.
The firm, which edged out Seacrest Marine Co to win the contract, has allegedly failed to meet the terms of reference.
While the ToR requires the bidders to submit a product certificate from the engine manufacturer, Marsun proposed to supply an engine from Cummins DKHS, which is a distributor, not a manufacturer.
The company later submitted the product certificates from Singapore’s Cummins and the US-based Cummins Inc but without notary public or Foreign Ministry endorsement. Furthermore, the documents were handed in after deadline.
The source said the Office of the Auditor-General sent a letter on Feb 20 to Navy Commander Surasak Rounroengrom and one to ACM Sukumpol on March 6 seeking the project review.
However, the navy submitted a letter to the defence minister on April 18 seeking approval for the contract signing. On April 25, ACM Sukumpol approved it and the contract was signed the following day.
On July 18, the Office of the Auditor-General sent a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission secretary-general Apinant Isarangkura na Ayudhaya seeking an investigation into the scheme.
The source said the NACC has begun its probe and is preparing to summon authorities for questioning.
ACM Sukumpol yesterday insisted the vessel procurement scheme was in compliance with laws and regulations.
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- Writer: Amornrat Mahitthirook & Wassana Nanuam
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