“The bomb detector is an important part of [security] operations. If using the GT200 is phased out, we need a substitution of new gear. Time is needed to study and find new equipment because we have learned a lesson from the GT200 [procurement] and do not want a repeat of it,” said the army chief-of-staff.

He said the government has a clear guideline on the use of the GT200 and the army chief already told the media the facts and demand of military personnel at the operations level last week.

Replacement with new equipment and phasing out the GT200 will implemented in line with the orders of the commanders.

Speaking about a report that a GT200 bomb detector failed to detect a bomb in Pattani on Monday, Gen Pirun said that the bomb exploded before officials brought the controversial equipment to the site.

Meanwhile, Minister of Science and Technology Kalaya Sophonpanich said before the Cabinet meeting that the ministry will propose an academic opinion on using the GT200 to the Cabinet for consideration on scrapping the use of the controversial equipment.

“It’s a sensitive issue which needs thorough assessment, combined with opinions of all sides involved,” she said.

The ministry will explain the issue to officials in the three southern border provinces, said the minister.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva 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 tests followed criticism by many parties who raised questions regarding the effectiveness of the bomb detection device after the British government banned exports of ADE651 bomb detectors to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The ADE651 detector is manufactured by the British-based company Global Technical, and is similar to the GT200 bomb detector, 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 re-erupted 2004. (TNA)