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For the first time
since the economic crisis the Thai defense budget is about to
be restored to normal levels. The bill is expected to get the
official nod next month when it comes up for final approval.
The breakdown of expenditure to the armed forces by the
Ministry of Defence would be as follows..
1. Office of the Permanent Secretary of Defence:
6,336,822,400
Baht
2. Royal Thai Armed Forces Command Center:
14,056,026,100
Baht
3. Royal Thai Army: 83,569,033,700
Baht
4. Royal Thai Navy: 32,804,018,000
Baht
5. Royal Thai Air Force: 31,665,379,900
Baht
A new and interesting
development is the introduction of the National Unity
Promotion and Democracy Plan for which 62,354,000 Baht is to
be distributed between the office of the Permanent Secretary
of Defence, the Thai Armed Forces Command, and the Thai Royal
Air Force and Navy.
Among technology
expected to be purchased as a result of the budgetary increase
are fighter jets, personnel and amphibious assault carriers
and shoreline patrol ships. All armed forces have been
allocated a larger budget than 2008 - a 12,568 million Baht
increase overall with 4,845 million extra going to the Army
and 4,845 million to the Navy and Air Force. The bigger budget
bodes well for all military equipment
manufacturers.
In fact the rise in
government spending couldn't come at a better time for Defense
& Security 2009 - the big Ministry of Defence backed
exposition which is now a biennial event in Thailand and one
of the most dynamic in the region. The 2007 event was a
surprise hit and attracted famous-name manufacturers from
around the world.
If approved the new
defence spending will come in at 9.22% of the national budget
and a reasonable 1.89% of GDP. The percentage breakdown will
be: Army 49.43%; Navy 19.4% and Air Force 18.73%.
For further
information about Defense & Security 2009 which will be
held in Bangkok next year, please go to: www.asiandefense.com
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