Defense Minister Dismisses Accusations Over Frigate Procurement
Defense Minister Adisorn dismisses opposition accusations of being a "demon minister" over frigate procurement, denying he would alter technical standards to favor any particular bidder without merit.
Defense Minister General Adulyadej Boonthammacherng dismissed accusations from a Pheu Thai Party MP who called him a "demon minister" and linked him to the Navy's frigate purchase, claiming he was changing technical requirements and NATO standards. Speaking on July 6, 2025 at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Adulyadej responded to MP Ekachai Udomamnuay's parliamentary debate accusations during the consideration of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill by characterizing them as immature remarks unworthy of attention.
The minister said he was accused of being a "demon minister"—apparently referencing a movie trend—and of rigging the frigate purchase by changing technical requirements. He countered that frigate procurement decisions must consider the Navy's operational needs, not just technical specifications alone.
Before drafting technical requirements, ethics committees oversee every step of the process, Adulyadej explained. He urged patience until the Navy selects a winning bidder, at which point it will become clear whether technical standards can be modified. He stressed that weapons systems and basic equipment standards cannot be arbitrarily changed.
"If we acquire one ship but cannot operate it jointly with existing naval forces or warships, and cannot conduct other training operations, then frankly, I'm not that corrupt," Adulyadej stated.
