Prayut urges open mindedness over sub deal

Deputy Government Spokesperson Maj Gen Weerachon Sukhontapatipak said on Friday that the PM was concerned that one-sided remarks may not offer well-rounded information.
The premier made his comments before he left on Friday to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines.
The premier was quoted as saying that his government always insists on the utmost benefit for people when making decisions on state projects. The government also strictly follows the state’s budgetary discipline. 
The Navy’s submarine purchase project has followed all necessary legal procedures in procurement, he said. 
The Navy first addressed the need before tabling it before several committees and agencies, including the Defence Ministry and eventually the Cabinet, the premier was quoted as saying.
To make people understand the issue, the government has told the Navy to explain the project further and address all points of concern, Weerachon said.
He said that the premier wanted to apologise for some confusion regarding the Cabinet’s approval, but insisted that it is transparent.
The submarine project was first proposed by the Navy before the Cabinet recently approved the purchase of one out of three vessels from China.
The first sub is priced Bt13.5 billion and the total budget is set at Bt36 billion. 
Concerns have been expressed about the necessity of the sub while the economy is still sluggish.