Lawyer Demands Army Investigate Foundation Drone Procurement
Lawyer Sittra Biabangkerd filed a complaint with the Royal Thai Army headquarters demanding an investigation into the Yam Fah Din Foundation's procurement of drones for the military, alleging significant price discrepancies and misuse of public donations. He claims drones purchased from China for 30,000 baht were billed to the foundation at up to 700,000 baht each. The lawyer plans to submit a further complaint to the Ministry of Interior on November 16, promising a major revelation.
At 10:00 a.m. on November 12, 2026, in front of the Royal Thai Army Headquarters (Army HQ), attorney Sittra Biabangkerd, known as Attorney Tom, submitted a letter to the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army requesting an investigation and clarification into the case of Panthip Phuaphongphan, president of the Yam Fah Din Foundation, who publicly explained the procurement of weapons and equipment for the army at its request, particularly the purchase of drones. The foundation specified detailed specifications, prices, and manufacturers, and claimed close coordination with former 2nd Army Area Commander General Boonsin Padklang.
Sittra stated that he wore a gray suit to show respect to the Royal Thai Army. He views Panthip's claim that the army requested the procurement, set the specifications and prices, and stated the army had insufficient budget requiring foundation assistance as severely damaging the reputation of the Royal Thai Army, which has a budget of over a hundred billion baht. He questioned why, in past eras of war, army commanders managed their budgets independently without relying on foundations.
Sittra added that the foundation's drone purchases raise doubts due to a lack of disclosed specifications and clear delivery documentation. The foundation claimed to buy drones from China at 30,000 baht each but reimbursed the foundation at up to hundreds of thousands of baht per unit. His calculations suggest prices around 700,000 baht per unit, creating suspicion of large price gaps. He questioned China's relevance to the Thai-Cambodian conflict, why prices were inflated, and which Thai company manufactured or supplied the drones, challenging the foundation to disclose the company name to prevent the army from being used as a tool for personal gain.
Sittra said he found issues regarding the use of public donations, with the foundation paying 100,000 baht monthly (1.2 million baht annually) in legal consultant fees and 400,000-500,000 baht per lawsuit, involving individuals within the foundation and the law office.
He stated that witnesses, evidence, and comparative price data have been handed to police and relevant agencies for financial trail investigation and legal action. He demanded Panthip disclose true information to the public if he has a clear conscience.
Sittra concluded that on Monday, November 16, he will go to the Ministry of Interior. Though he did not reveal the complaint's subject, he guaranteed a "surprise that will make ears ring," emphasizing he is currently focused solely on investigating this one foundation.
