Bangkok:The Thai junta on Thursday sought $10 billion in a new 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 next year.
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 last year 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, 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.
