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Published on August 9, 2007

"Commanders of respective forces will be accountable for their decisions, although they have free rein to run their affairs, be it about

the military line-up or arms procurement," he said.

Boonrawd said Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin was free to decide whether the deal was suitable for military requirements while the Defence Ministry would not get involved in the matter.

He said assessment reports from the Army Ordnance Department and the procurement committee chaired by Army assistant chief Lt-General Anupong Paochinda showed Ukraine-made vehicles as the best option under budgetary constraints.

There might be other vehicles on the market with superior specifications but their price

tag was beyond the military budget, Boonrawd said.

The planned deal is a direct government-to-government transaction and Sonthi has ensured transparency in price negotiations via an appointed broker, he said.

The deal is being concluded by the Army and its details are expected to be forwarded for Cabinet approval before the government leaves office.

The Nation