Thanadech exposes Thai Police Air Division fleet crisis
MP Thanadech Pengsuk criticizes Royal Thai Police Air Division budget, revealing only 8 out of 41 aircraft are operational and pointing to opaque TORs.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- MP Thanadech Pengsuk debates a budget cut for all three Royal Thai Police Air Division projects
- Reveals that out of 41 aircraft in the fleet, only 8 are currently operational
- Highlights procurement issues tied to the newly established CAMO committee
- Plans to submit audio evidence to the House Committee on Police regarding procurement transparency
During a parliamentary session, Lt. Thanadech Pengsuk, a Bangkok Member of Parliament from the People's Party, debated Article 27 to propose budget cuts for all three projects of the Royal Thai Police Air Division. He pointed out issues regarding aircraft maintenance budgets over the past four years, noting that the division has not yet exhausted its 2025 budget, while the remaining 2029 budget with about 20 days left has remained untouched.
Lt. Thanadech further revealed that the delay in utilizing the 2029 budget stems from the establishment of a committee called CAMO with a 50 million baht budget, which duplicates the missions of Thai Airways. Normally, the Air Division receives an annual budget of 950 million baht to hire Thai Airways for aircraft maintenance. However, granting this new committee the power to select contractors led Thai Airways to issue a formal objection stating they could no longer cooperate under such methods.
Photo by Anantachai Saothong / Unsplash
The opposition MP also disclosed alarming internal data showing that while the Royal Thai Police Air Division owns a total of 41 aircraft, only 8 of them are actually operational. Meanwhile, the maintenance budget requests for 2027 consist of three items priced at 619 million baht, 270 million baht, and 683 million baht respectively. Although sub-committee members attempted a 10-percent budget reduction, it was deemed insufficient, prompting a push to cut the entire project due to lack of transparency from the outset.
The alleged lack of transparency involves an individual referred to by the pseudonym "Dr. Vach," well-known within police aviation circles, who was appointed as a member to draft TORs and negotiate prices. This advisor was reportedly present throughout all procedural stages with the acknowledgment of the police chief. According to reports, this individual told a meeting that selecting contractors would bypass other committees and rest solely on consultation with the Assistant National Police Chief, raising serious concerns over the safety of active pilots.
"I feel sorry for the personnel of the Police Air Division whose lives are unsafe, yet this individual selects the contractors. In fact, I have audio clips ready for the Police Committee. I will not let this matter rest and will not allow the Air Division's budget to pass if the procurement process lacks transparency. I also appeal to the Prime Minister, who oversees the Royal Thai Police, and the incoming Police Chief: if you turn a blind eye, the Police Air Division will collapse. Pilots have no planes and have to rely on sacred amulets; this cannot be allowed to continue."
Lt. Thanadech Pengsuk
This budgetary dispute highlights critical issues surrounding governance, transparency, and internal oversight within state security agencies like the Royal Thai Police Air Division. When public funds and procurement terms of reference (TOR) face allegations of duplication and conflicts of interest, it directly impacts operational readiness and the safety of personnel. This situation serves as an important test for the executive branch and police leadership to thoroughly investigate procurement processes in response to parliamentary oversight.
Source: Matichon Politics
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