Army prefers to risk lives than admit mistake

THINK PRAGMATIC

Army prefers to risk lives than admit mistake

Published: 23 Jul 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Two years after the controversy first erupted, the Department of Special Investigation has released a report which claims the GT200 and Alpha 6 bomb detectors are completely ineffective in explosives detection and that the devices were excessively overpriced.

Ared shirtmember ridicules theGT200bomb detectors during a rally two years ago.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdith told the press last Wednesday that numerous tests conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology have confirmed that both the GT200 and Alpha 6, which are used widely in the restive deep South, were incapable of detecting explosives. He said it was believed the devices were purchased at an exorbitant price and that the whole issue had caused damage to the state.

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pjt
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Discussion 4 : 23 Jul 2012 at 11.314
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So the majority of these units were actually brought by the Provincial Administration Department rather than the military - I wonder for what part of their responsibilities? The Thai police do not seem to have purchased any of the units - I suppose we should be thankful for small mercies
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Ian Wensor
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Discussion 3 : 23 Jul 2012 at 09.543
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Talk about the army losing face ... I'd rather lose face throughout all the countless life times I'm told I'll have to endure rather that live with the fact that I've got anyone's life n my conscience.
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jck
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Discussion 2 : 23 Jul 2012 at 09.482
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I’ve seen suggestions that the Defense Ministry should should bring criminal and civil actions against the manufacturers of the GT200 detectors. Forget it. They will have as much chance of success as trying to get Thaksin to admit he ever made a mistake in his life. Rather go after the generals and the army procurement departments who assessed and procured these worthless devices without a thorough investigation into the manufacturer’s claimed effectiveness which is clear they failed miserably to do. They were conned by the manufacturers just as they were with the futile airship, and their incompetence of purchasing proven and cost effective equipment is obvious. A few demotions of the responsible general to private, or better a dishonorable discharge, would send a clear message to the public that incompetence and corruption at the highest ranks in the army will not be tolerated. But we all know hat will never happen.
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oldairman
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Discussion 1 : 23 Jul 2012 at 06.211
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The two things that Thai people fear the most.

Loss of face is, as always number 1
Investigation into corruption of the highest members of the military, including the current Minister of Defence.

It matters not that people die, get injured etc, that the country as a whole loses, but that face cannot be lost, that Thais can never admit to making a mistake, EVER.
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Army prefers to risk lives than admit mistake | Bangkok Post: opinion