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GT200 Dowsing Rod Update: Gen Anupong Bans Further Purchases Pending Investigation
29 Jan2010
Gen Anupong, Dr Pornthip, Suthep, Abhisit
(Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4)
The shocking scandal of the GT200 ‘bomb detector’ continues to be the talk of the town. In my earlier post I already looked at the BBC’s exposure of the scam and the frankly unbelievable responses by PM Abhisit and other people from Thailand’s uppermost echelon. To be honest, I think this whole sorry saga has damaged the credibility of these people beyond repair, implicating a whole range of prominent people from top politicians to a celebrity forensic expert. Lives are being put at profound risk because of the continued use of these voodoo devices. Massive amounts of taxpayers’ money are going down the drain or possibly into someone’s pocket.
Anyway, here is some good news at last. Army chief Anupong Paochinda, who previously dismissed angry reporters as having been bribed to question him over the GT200′s effectiveness, seems to be going through a belated process of enlightenment. The Nation reports:
Army chief General Anupong Paochinda yesterday said he would not allow any Army agencies to make additional purchases of GT200 bomb detectors now that the United Kingdom has issued a warning saying the devices are useless.
“Since there are some doubts, we have to delay the procurement decisions until things become clearer,” Anupong told reporters, adding that his orders would not affect any ongoing purchases of the equipment.
[...]
Anupong, backing down after experts criticised the Army for purchasing useless equipment at relatively high prices, said the Army would conduct scientific tests to prove the equipment’s ability.
“I personally want to know if it really works, because my men on the ground insist it does while experts say it theoretically doesn’t,” he said.
Though it looks like the army may not be able to cancel existing orders, this decision by Gen Anupong is still encouraging. Will the other big names soon realise their horrible mistakes too? We will have to wait and see…
Related posts (automatically generated):
- In: Abhisit|Corruption|Military|Politics
- Tags: Anuphong, army, Democrat Party, GT200, human rights, Thailand
8 Responses to GT200 Dowsing Rod Update: Gen Anupong Bans Further Purchases Pending Investigation
Anonymous2
January 29th, 2010 at 1:49 am
Two of the comments from the buffoon Anupong are revealing if you look at the detail. The interpretation of language is an unconscious skill, and words can be planted in any communication to generate an unconscious (and likely unchallenged) interpretation. In other words, as we all know – statements can be loaded.
“Anupong, backing down after experts criticised the Army for purchasing useless equipment at relatively high prices, said the Army would conduct scientific tests to prove the equipment’s ability.
Notice the word ‘prove’? This presupposes that the effectiveness is simply awaiting proof.
Again:
“I personally want to know if it really works, because my men on the ground insist it does while experts say it ‘theoretically’ doesn’t,” he said.
Notice the words ‘men on the ground’. This is meant to convey the impression that Anupong’s men are actually at the sharp end and would know better than any ‘armchair’ commentator. Notice also the word ‘theoretically’? Intended to convey the impression ‘OK in theory but as everyone knows, theory is often wrong, whereas actual experience is always right’.
General Anupong is a very naughty boy, General Anupong is. I am amazed that blatant manipulation like this goes unchallenged by the obsequious Thai press .
It hs been shown that these devices simply cannot work. WTF is Anupong arguing about? Or does he simply want time to conceal the kick-backs? Of course he will be acutely aware, and acutely resentful, that Thais have once more been shown to be dishonest and/or slightly dim. Hence his angry reaction to the journalists asking him questions (but of course, not following them through).
John Francis Lee
January 29th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Of course he [Anupong] will be acutely aware, and acutely resentful, that Thais have once more been shown to be dishonest and/or slightly dim.
Of course Thais are no more dishonest and/or dim than any of the rest of us. It’s amazing how many racist farangs manage to use the corrupt Thai government/military as “cover” for their racism. For their anonymous racism.
Five hundred thirty-five gizmos at one million baht per gizmo comes to a half-billion baht. It the kick-backs were 20% that’d be 100,000,000 baht kicked back.. so I imagine that Anupong is ready to move on to the nest “big thing”. The GT200 has been wildly successful in “military terms”. No need to conceal kick-backs, it’s felt. “Everyone” does it. Like the Republicans in the US, they provide living proof that “government” is utterly corrupt every time they seize power.
Welcome To Absurdistan
January 29th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
[...] reported The GT200: Do we detect a scam? After much public pressure our dear army chief at least banned further purchases of the devices. It’s one of those rare occasions a Thai authority caves in to public [...]
Anonymous2
January 29th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
“Of course Thais are no more dishonest and/or dim than any of the rest of us. It’s amazing how many racist farangs manage to use the corrupt Thai government/military as “cover” for their racism. For their anonymous racism.”
Oh please. Please. Please. The average IQ in Thailand is 87. That is dimmer than the rest of us. Well, most of the rest of us anyway.
Please don’t come in here braying about racism when you clearly cannot tell the difference between fact and your fantasy.
That’s you told.
John Francis Lee
January 30th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Wow! On that comment I rest my case.
Anonymous2
January 30th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Interesting that you think demolishing your comment somehow makes it more credible.
Must be those mental filters again.
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