(File photo by Somchai Poomlard)Anti-corruption advocates have demanded the government and Royal Thai Navy disclose information on its "secret" submarine purchase to ensure the transparency of the deal. The call came as the navy reportedly is set to sign the purchase contract with China early next month. Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) secretary-general Mana Nimitmongkol said the government's decision to buy a 13.5-billion-baht Yuan-class S26T submarine from China has attracted widespread public criticism. Adm Na meanwhile said the navy is in contact with China in preparation to ink the submarine purchase contract "soon", refusing to confirm specific details. "Regarding information on a submarine purchase like this, as per international standards, this information must be confidential.

Source: Bangkok Post April 26, 2017 21:45 UTC