Thai junta seeks $10 billion in new security budget
The Thai junta is seeking a new $10 billion defence and security budget, in what may be its final opportunity to allocate funds to the armed forces before a promised return to elections early in 2019.
Military spending has risen since former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha seized power from the civilian government in 2014, fitting a pattern of Thai generals generously boosting budgets during their periodic coups.
The figures, proposed to the junta-picked National Legislative Assembly for the 2019 fiscal year, represent $7 billion for defence, a $1 billion increase since the military seized power four years ago.
In addition the regime wants $3 billion more in security plans meant to manage ‘new threats’, maintain ‘internal peace and order’ and prevent transnational crimes and cyber attacks as well as protect the Thai monarchy.
The new budget is part of a 20-year national strategy laid out in 2017 that is legally binding for future administrations to follow.
Prayut, who is now prime minister, has suggested after many delays a return to elections in February 2019, as many Thais weary of junta rule.
Paul Chambers, an expert on Thai politics at Naresuan University, said the latest budget may also be used to help ‘build and advertise’ a military-backed political party for the upcoming poll.
Chambers said: ‘After all, in Thailand's past, militaries have used defence budgeting in this manner.’
Prayut is increasingly playing the politician rather than military man, taking image-boosting trips around Thailand and abroad.
In the four years it has been in power the junta has overseen a sluggish economy that is just starting to pick back up, with growth reliant on domestic spending, exports and a booming tourism industry.
The proposed spending boost also comes at a time when the Thai junta's reputation as a graft-buster has taken a hit following several high-profile scandals.
Critics say the junta has been opaque in its financial dealings and failed to address rampant corruption – despite seizing power from the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra vowing to do so.
Pichai Naripthaphan, a former energy and deputy finance minister in the previous civilian administration, said spending has risen dramatically since 2006, when the military ousted Yingluck's brother, Thaksin.
Naripthaphan said: ‘If Thailand wants to develop the country the defence ministry budget must be cut in order that money could be spent on infrastructure projects which are more important.’
More from Defence Notes
-
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.