RTAF pledges no protection for officers involved in bribery scandal

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has declared it will not shield any logistics officers implicated in bribery tied to the procurement of asphalt concrete pavers during 2019 to 2020.

RTAF spokesperson Prapas Sornchaidee announced that a probe into the procurements commenced following an order by RTAF chief Panpakdee Pattanakul. This statement follows the release of a document by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which alleged that executives from Wirtgen (Thailand), a Thai subsidiary of the US-based agricultural and construction equipment firm Deere, bribed state officials to secure purchasing contracts with various agencies.

The RTAF investigation revealed that between November 2019 and March 2020, Wirtgen won two e-bidding contracts for asphalt concrete pavers with the RTAF. The contracts were valued at 6.09 million baht and 10.2 million baht respectively.

Prapas stated that a special disciplinary committee would be established if any RTAF officers are found to be involved in the bribery. He emphasised that those implicated would face the full extent of the law.

“The RTAF is committed to continuing the investigation and is reviewing all related contracts and procedures in accordance with the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act 2017 and other relevant laws.”

He noted that obtaining accurate and fair audit results for all parties involved will take some time. However, the RTAF aims to conclude the investigation as swiftly as possible. Prapas also mentioned that the Office of the Air Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington is seeking additional evidence from the SEC, reported Bangkok Post.

“The RTAF will ensure that any officers found guilty will be held accountable and face appropriate legal actions.”