Thailand Raises Defence Budget 5%

Starstreak of the Thai Army, which provide a total of 8 sets worth 378 million baht. (photo : TAF)

Thailand's military government has proposed a 2015 defence budget of THB193 billion (USD6 billion), representing a 5% increase over spending in 2014. The funding represents approximately 8% of the total government expenditure during the 2015 fiscal year, which commences 1 October 2014.

The budget, announced on 15 July, has been drafted by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) - Thailand's de facto cabinet led by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) General Prayuth Chan-ocha. It is scheduled to receive official approval in late July.

A breakdown of the defence budget has not yet been revealed by the NCPO.

(Jane's)