ID :
142769
Mon, 09/20/2010 - 15:42
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http://m.oananews.org//node/142769
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Army chief confirms arms disappearance from Lopburi arsenal
BANGKOK, Sept 20 - Thai Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda on Monday conceded that some 30 rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) disappeared from a military armoury in Lopburi province over a week ago, while the defence minister said the stolen grenades may be destined for use in possible violence.
Gen Anupong said a forensic investigation to find the suspects implicated in the missing RPG case will take 6-8 days, adding that the army is tracking the whereabouts of the stolen arms and is trying to bring them back.
He said that army regulations clearly impose punishment measures for those held responsible for the arms theft and that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has already been informed about the case.
Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, meanwhile, said the stolen RPGs may be used to encourage violence, but urged the public not to worry as the army will closely monitor the situation.
Following criticism over the army's lax security in light of repeated thefts of munitions, Gen Prawit gave assurance's that the army's security measures have been 'very tight' and such a disappearance did not frequently occur.
An investigation is underway and it is the responsibility of every level of commander, especially those in charge of arsenals, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who oversees national security said he has ordered a speed-up of the investigation as the RPGs had disappeared for quite some time.
Asked if the incident was connected to the current political demonstrations, Mr Suthep said he did not know if there is any involvement but urged the public not make negative conclusions about the matter until the investigation is completed. (MCOT online news)
Gen Anupong said a forensic investigation to find the suspects implicated in the missing RPG case will take 6-8 days, adding that the army is tracking the whereabouts of the stolen arms and is trying to bring them back.
He said that army regulations clearly impose punishment measures for those held responsible for the arms theft and that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has already been informed about the case.
Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, meanwhile, said the stolen RPGs may be used to encourage violence, but urged the public not to worry as the army will closely monitor the situation.
Following criticism over the army's lax security in light of repeated thefts of munitions, Gen Prawit gave assurance's that the army's security measures have been 'very tight' and such a disappearance did not frequently occur.
An investigation is underway and it is the responsibility of every level of commander, especially those in charge of arsenals, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban who oversees national security said he has ordered a speed-up of the investigation as the RPGs had disappeared for quite some time.
Asked if the incident was connected to the current political demonstrations, Mr Suthep said he did not know if there is any involvement but urged the public not make negative conclusions about the matter until the investigation is completed. (MCOT online news)
