Wheeling and dealing

Article Abstract:

Analysts observe that the decision by Thailand's military to purchase $200 million of French armoured vehicles has political overtones. The decision to purchase the vehicle manufactured by French government-owned Giat Industries was made in record time and under the direction of Thai military supreme commander Gen. Viroj Sangsanit. The VAB vehicle does not meet either general guidelines mandated by the Defence Ministry or even the Thai army's own requirements. Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa has restored expensive procurement programs since taking office in response to pressure from the military.

Purchasing, Military aspects, Military policy, Southeast Asia, Thailand. Ministry of Defence

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Ships ahoy: Thailand struggles to build a merchant fleet

Article Abstract:

A plan by Thailand's national shipping line to privatize is raising fears of Singapore meddling in Thai affairs, recapping the reason Thailand's merchant fleet is so feeble. The company, Thai Maritime Navigation (TMN), wants the Thai govt to relax its ownership restrictions on shipping fleets, but the media opposes the deal, which would sell a minority share to Bara Intl Shipping, either 30% or 49.6% of which a Singapore state firm owns. TMN hopes to use the deal to draw on Singapore expertise and build a strong Thai fleet.

Water Transportation, Management, Transportation policy, Shipping industry, Thai Maritime Navigation Co.

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A political ploy

Article Abstract:

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad has caused political tension and concern among non-Muslims when he allowed the Islamic Party to implement huddud, or Islamic criminal law, in the state of Kelantan. Huddud, which prescribes such punishments as the amputation of hands and stoning for certain offences, runs counter to the federal constitution which guarantees freedom of religion. The move is seen as a political ploy by Mahathir which could result in the Islamic Party losing public support.

Laws, regulations and rules, Political aspects, Malaysia, Criminal law

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