Thai Finance Ministry to oversee army businesses after mass shooting

Thai army commander General Apirat Kongsompong on Thursday told the media that he will hand over the major army commercial businesses to the Ministry of Finance to ensure transparency and sound management.

Gen. Apirat's decision came after an army soldier carried out a mass shooting carnage over the weekend, killing 29 people and injuring over 50 others.

The army commander said the shooter owned five legally-registered guns, including three pistols, one shotgun and a rifle, which were all bought under the army's "welfare gun" program.

"So the army's welfare scheme will also go under the Finance Ministry's management," said Gen. Apirat. "Furthermore, the army-run golf courses, boxing stadiums and the Suan Son Pradipat Army Rehabilitation and Recreation Centre in Prachuap Khiri Khan, will all go under the management of the Finance Ministry."

"These commercial businesses and welfare schemes will not be managed by army personnel, but will be managed by professionals selected by the Finance Ministry," he said.

Gen. Apirat also insisted that he will bring about transparency and accountability within the army hierarchy.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)