Thai Army Clashes with MP Over Border Bunker Quality

The Thai Army has strongly refuted questions raised by a People's MP regarding the quality and cost-effectiveness of bunkers constructed along the Thai-Cambodian border in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. The controversy began when Mr. Chat Suphatwanich, a People's MP for Nakhon Ratchasima and third deputy chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee, revealed he had received complaints and photographic evidence questioning the durability and cost of the fortifications. In response, Gen. Sarawut Chanphum, commander of the Thai Army Development Command, reiterated his earlier statements from Monday (August 3) confirming the bunkers' strength. He asserted that all 100 completed bunkers are operational, built with high-quality SCG concrete slabs capable of withstanding 81mm mortar rounds, and were constructed with a budget of approximately 15.418 million baht from the Hathaitip Fund (Phase 2). Gen. Sarawut also stated that the complaints were not from within the Army Development Command, as their operations prioritize the safety of border forces. Furthermore, Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Vithai Laithomya publicly criticized Mr. Chat on his Facebook page, questioning his suitability as deputy chairman of the Military Affairs Committee and using provocative language such as, "Is this the 'qualified person' selected to be the 'Deputy Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee'? You don’t need to be an MP; just act like a ‘person’ born in Thailand." He also posted an image of the MP with a caption: "Receiving a complaint: Is the budget for the Chanthaburi-Trat border bunker construction worthwhile? MP Chat Suphattravanich, deputy chairman of the Military Affairs Committee." The post garnered numerous critical comments, with netizens questioning the MP's qualifications and the use of public funds, with comments such as "Is he an MP?" "Having MPs like this is a waste of public funds," and "I completely agree, the cement hasn’t even set yet in the picture." Source: Thai Newsroom