Gen Sonthi backs purchase of Thaicom

BANGKOK, 15 June 2010 (NNT) – Leader of the Matubhum Party General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin has agreed with the government’s plan to buy back Thaicom Satellite from Temasek Holdings for national security.

General Sonthi, also former Army Chief and former Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), expressed his strong support for the planned repurchase of Thaicom Satellite from Singapore-based Temasek Holdings for its supervision by the Thai government. He highlighted the importance of the satellite to internal security, not only in the area of the military but also the economic and social stability, citing that any disclosure of confidential information could cause substantial damages to the country.

The Thai government has assigned the Ministry of Finance to study the repurchase of Thaicom Satellite from Temasek Holdings as well as its pricing to ensure a transparent procurement process.