Bangkok: Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence, visited the Defence Technology Institute, marking his first visit to a Ministry of Defence agency since assuming his position. During the visit, he emphasized the importance of self-reliance under wartime conditions.
According to Thai News Agency, the Defence Technology Institute showcased a range of military equipment to the Minister and his delegation. The presentation included tactical robots, multiple rocket launcher systems, multi-purpose rocket launcher vehicles, explosive ordnance disposal robots, portable reconnaissance robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand's aviation training institute. The Minister's visit aimed to tour and receive a briefing on the development of these technologies.
Lieutenant General Adul expressed interest in the application of knowledge from the center during past conflicts, specifically the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. He highlighted the integration of the center with the Army's current initiatives, such as establishing a UAV fleet, which includes the Phoenix squadron and other task forces. Over 400 military personnel have been trained as UAV pilots, and UAVs were effectively deployed in real combat during the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.
The Minister of Defence underscored the necessity for countries to achieve self-reliance as global situations evolve. This aligns with the government's policy to succeed without foreign dependency.
Lieutenant General Adul also addressed energy conservation guidelines for the armed forces, which align with former Minister of Defence General Natthaphol Nakpanich's policies. He noted that rising fuel prices would be investigated to assess their impact on the armed forces.
In response to Mr. Sonthaya Sawasdee's letter regarding the Kan Chom Palang movement at the Thai-Cambodian border, the Minister explained the urgency of needs during the conflict, despite available government budgets. Assistance from the private sector was out of support for soldiers, but any excesses would require investigation.
The Minister assured the public of accurate information regarding reported fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border. He emphasized that any conflict would prompt warnings and evacuations, and he encouraged the public to enjoy the Songkran festival peacefully. However, he remains vigilant about the potential for large-scale battles if conflicts arise again.
Regarding the suppression of smuggled oil by sea, the Minister outlined the Royal Thai Navy's efforts through Maritime Security Command Regions 1 and 2 to monitor and inspect all vessels. These measures ensure the correct distribution of oil, with any price-related delays considered illegal.