Media once again kept out of latest tests in Pattani
Army commander General Anupong Paochinda said yesterday he was ready to go to jail or be suspended if caught benefiting illegally from the purchase of the military's Bt350-million airship.
He was speaking during a visit to Pattani province to inspect the airship's testing.
The media was not allowed to cover the test but Anupong said a media visit to the South to observe the operation would be arranged soon.
An interview session will be held for questions about the much-criticised project during the visit.
The Army has not signed on to officially accept the airship, which has not passed specification tests, especially transmission of wireless signals from on-board cameras to the ground control unit.
Speaking after his inspection visit, Anupong said "the system put in place under the specifications was good" but yesterday's demonstration "should have acquired greater in-depth images".
Speaking before arriving in Pattani, the Army chief said criticism of the project focused on two areas in the procurement process: whether the airship was purchased at an inflated price, and whether any Army officers had benefited from it.
"Our officers will make clarifications [at the press interview] and if their answers are not clear, you can submit a petition with the Auditor-General's Office," he said.
"And if the findings show that I am involved with the cheating, I am ready to go to jail or be suspended from the service," he added.
In terms of its efficiency and technology, he said crewmen had mastered piloting of the airship and passed a basic flight course, but the take-off and landing operation still required more practice - a major condition prompting the project committee not to officially accept the dirigible.
"It's the committee's decision and absolute right to sign or not to sign the deal to accept the airship. I cannot interfere with the committee members' decision. I myself will punish them if they sign knowing that the airship is not yet completely operational," he said.
