Thai Military Police officers wearing protective masks are seen at a checkpoint, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in Bangkok on April 3, 2020. (Photo: Reuters)Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Prime MinisterPrayut Chan-o-cha, who also serves as Defence Minister, has ordered thesuspension of a plan by the armed forces to procure arms, including the RoyalThai Navy's plan to buy two submarines, according to a government source.
The source said Deputy Defence Minister Gen ChaichanChangmongkol met PM Prayut to discuss a proposal to cut the military budget by10 percent so that the money could instead be used to support the government'sefforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Prayut has instructed the Defence Ministry to haltall arms procurement projects, including the navy's plan to buy its second andthird submarines, as well as the air force's plan to upgrade its fleet ofaircraft and buy new training aircraft.
According to Prayuth Phetchakhun, deputy spokesman ofthe Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), 5,264 people have been prosecuted forviolating the emergency decree, imposed from March 26 to April 30 contain thespread of COVID-19.
When bringing the casesto court, the prosecutors will ask for additional measures to keep theoffenders safe, Prayuth said, adding that if the defendant violates thestay-at-home order, he faces a maximum jail term of six months and/or a maximumfine of 10,000 THB.
The PM slammed the curfew violators for lacking asocial conscience but insisted he will not impose any tougher restrictions ascurrent measures in dealing with the pandemic over the past 100 days areproving effective.
Thailand now has the number of infected patients at acontrollable level, and a low death rate compared to other leading countries,he said./.
VNA
