Directions for armaments factory to be known in April

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) -- Deputy Defense Minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, said that the directions for the setting up of a factory to manufacture and repair armaments with alliances would be clearer in April. The deputy minister said the Centre for Defense Industry and Military Energy is in the process of drafting up a proposal and directions for the construction of the maintenance facility, in which the plans should be clarified by end of March or the beginning of April. He said if the construction is approved, it would mean that the country would be able to economise on state spending for the importing parts from abroad, which could later lead to commercial manufacturing as well. Gen Udomdej affirmed that China, one of the world major provision of weapons, has expressed its readiness to join hands with Thailand to set up a factory to manufacture and repair armaments He assured that all deals would be considered thoroughly and carefully to ensure the highest benefit for the country, where the purchasing of armoury would not be restricted to any particularly country but would have to be considered for their suitability. (TNA)