The United States' request for use of U-tapao naval airbase in Rayong for atmospheric studies and as a centre for humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the region will most likely be on the cabinet agenda on Tuesday, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Surasawadee said on Monday.
Plodprasop Suraswadi (Photo by Phrakrit Juntawong)
Mr Plodprasop said people in the research sector had confirmed that the atmospheric studies would focus on disaster relief operations and security agencies confirmed the base would not be used for military purposes or espionage.
The government's legal advisers said the request for use of U-tapao did not require parliamentary approval under Section 190 of the constitution.
These opinions would be forwarded to the cabinet for consideration along with the request for use of the airbase, he said.
The minister said the Chinese ambassador to Thailand had been given an assurance that Thailand would not allow U-tapao to again be used as a US military base, as it was during the Vietnam war.
China understood well that Thailand wants cooperation in the field of scientific research to cope with flooding and other disasters, he added.
Mr Plodprasop said the opposition's actions in questioning the project were obstructing the country's chance to get cooperation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), since Thailand had set a goal to send its own satellite into space in five years.
Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he explained the U-tapao issue and Thai concerns to US ambassador Kristie Kenney.
Mr Surapong said the ambassador understood well that the Thai government would have to follow legal procedures and the constitution.
The problem would not affect relations between Thailand and the US, he said.
Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Kristie Kenney (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
"If the request is not approved by the cabinet by June 26, Nasa will not be able to deliver equipment in time for its operations in August-September. The research project might be postponed and I am not confident whether it will return to Thailand. This matter will tell who is playing politics and who is doing what for the country," Mr Surapong said.
Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Ponlaboot said if the matter was forwarded to the cabinet then party list MP Kasit Piromya would submit a petition to the Administrative Court.
It would not be good to let this matter worry China. So the government should seek a time-out to consult parliament first, Mr Alongkorn said.
A source at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters said Supreme Commander Thanasak Patimapakorn has set up a working committee to work with the US on the use of U-tapao airbase by Nasa.
The committee is headed by Lt-Gen Surapong Suwan-ath, the director of joint operations, and the directors of operations of the three armed forces.
The source said the committee would start work after the cabinet approved the US request. After that a meeting would be held with the US side to draft the terms of reference, or a memorandum of understanding.
Under the Thai-US MoU of 1983, in order to use U-tapao the US is required to notify the Directorate of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces HQ about all flight plans. After that the navy would be instructed to provide logistical support for the US as requested.
The source said if the cabinet approved the request, the navy would assign the Royal Thai Fleet and the Naval Aviation Department, which oversee U-tapao, to prepare offices and accommodation.
The working committee would also coordinate with the US on disaster relief plans after agreeing on the terms of reference with Nasa, the source said.