ID :
108145
Tue, 02/23/2010 - 19:28
Auther :
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http://m.oananews.org//node/108145
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Science Ministry to clarify poor GT200 performance to security, military in South
BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) – The Abhisit Vejjajiva Cabinet assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to clarify the ineffectiveness of the British-made GT200 bomb detector to agencies using the equipment in Thailand’s three southern border provinces so that they adjust their operation to stop using the device, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Tuesday.
He said the ministry is expected to complete its task by the end of next week.
The Minister of Science and Technology on Tuesday reported its test results on the GT200 bomb detectors last week to the Cabinet. The tests indicated the low accuracy of the GT200 as it could detect bombs and explosives only four of 20 times.
Mr Abhisit said he emphasised again that the equipment must not be used to detect explosive substances on human. The test results must also be made known to both the officials who continue using the device and the local residents.
Bomb detector users will be advised to apply other technology to carry out their assigned duties such as a device to cut the signal of mobile phones used to detonate bombs and other explosive devices.
The prime minister also said the cabinet gave a green light to the ministry to test the Alpha 6 substance detector used to detect narcotics with the same methodology applied to the GT200.
Mr Abhisit will order agencies that procured both the GT200 and the Alpha 6 to submit reports about the purchase of both equipment.
PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey has been assigned to look into the legal issue related to the companies which sold the device.
The prime minister last week halted all future purchases of GT200 bomb detectors after testing by the Ministry of Science and Technology evidenced the poor performance and inaccuracy of the equipment.
The GT200 bomb detectors are widely used in security operations in Thailand's southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat in which insurgency-related incidents have left more than 4,000 people dead since violence erupted among the ethnic Malay Muslim border provinces in 2004. (TNA)
He said the ministry is expected to complete its task by the end of next week.
The Minister of Science and Technology on Tuesday reported its test results on the GT200 bomb detectors last week to the Cabinet. The tests indicated the low accuracy of the GT200 as it could detect bombs and explosives only four of 20 times.
Mr Abhisit said he emphasised again that the equipment must not be used to detect explosive substances on human. The test results must also be made known to both the officials who continue using the device and the local residents.
Bomb detector users will be advised to apply other technology to carry out their assigned duties such as a device to cut the signal of mobile phones used to detonate bombs and other explosive devices.
The prime minister also said the cabinet gave a green light to the ministry to test the Alpha 6 substance detector used to detect narcotics with the same methodology applied to the GT200.
Mr Abhisit will order agencies that procured both the GT200 and the Alpha 6 to submit reports about the purchase of both equipment.
PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey has been assigned to look into the legal issue related to the companies which sold the device.
The prime minister last week halted all future purchases of GT200 bomb detectors after testing by the Ministry of Science and Technology evidenced the poor performance and inaccuracy of the equipment.
The GT200 bomb detectors are widely used in security operations in Thailand's southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat in which insurgency-related incidents have left more than 4,000 people dead since violence erupted among the ethnic Malay Muslim border provinces in 2004. (TNA)
