The budget spending shopping sprees of our men in khaki have never failed to shock taxpayers.
This week, taxpayers are again upset by reports that the defence ministry has reportedly spent budget money to rent "special commanding vehicles" -- a second VIP car for 36 senior officers. These vehicles are reported to be luxurious Mercedes-Benzs -- S500 and S400 models.
It's normal for the state to provide vehicles to its high-ranking officials in every ministry. Yet, the Ministry of Defence reasons that its high-ranked and executive officers need an additional car -- a special vehicle with special communication features so as to assist them in handling national security matters.
The issue came to light early this week during a House committee meet scrutinising the 2023 fiscal budget for the defence ministry.
The committee also found that the armed forces revised a rule by providing position cars to non-executive officers -- from special colonels to generals. Usually, position cars are given to executive officers -- deputies and heads of departments and the Ministry of Defence only. The change in regulation means taxpayers' money will be spent to provide these cars to scores of non-executive officers. Those who do not want the position cars can get monthly payments -- reported to be 25,000-40,000 baht, depending on their rank.
Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a member of the House committee, wondered why the armed forces chose luxurious cars as "special commanding vehicles".
"We expected these special vehicles to be military-style rugged vehicles with satellite dishes installed on roofs or be installed with special security gadgets. But it turns out these vehicles are just luxurious Mercedes-Benz cars that we see on the roads," Mr Somchai told national broadcast TV news yesterday.
When asked what and how these Mercedes-Benz models are chosen, the Ministry of Defence representative told the House committee that: "This model has a good engine," according to Mr Somchai.
The committee also found the ministry used the budget from unused projects to rent these luxurious cars, according to Mr Somchai.
The committee then asked the armed forces to provide clarification on the matter and supply the records of VIP cars that the armed forces had spent on over the past 10 years.
We only hope that the armed forces will come up with a valid explanation.
Make no mistake, high-ranking officers are entitled to fringe benefits and welfare. Yet, the spending must reflect actual needs and necessity -- not showboating or indulgence. In terms of arms procurement, the armed forces need to be properly equipped to ensure they are a viable defence force.
But it does not mean that armed forces can use the words "national security" or "secret budget" and "classified documents" to justify and avoid scrutiny.
For this latest case, the House committee and lawmakers need to launch a probe to find out how much money has been spent on these position cars. If it is found to be a matter of money not being properly spent, this welfare project must end and investigations should continue.
Society has become increasingly cynical about military spending. Issues involving F-35 jets, Yuan-class submarines, and the latest luxurious cars only deepen mistrust. The men-in-khaki cannot blame people for lacking trust.