[World] Thailand increases defence budget by 7%

BTR3 Thailand [thaiarmedforce]★

Thailand's military-run government has proposed a 2016 defence budget of THB207 billion (USD6.3 billion), a nominal increase of 7% over military spending in 2015.

According to budgetary figures announced by the government on 29 April, the 2016 defence budget will represent nearly 8% of the total state expenditure in the year. It also amounts to approximately 1.5% of GDP.

The budget will be submitted to the National Legislative Assembly for approval in mid-year before the beginning of Thailand's new fiscal year at the end of October.

Government records have not yet detailed a breakdown of the defence budget, although, according to IHS Jane's Defence Budgets, the Royal Thai Army traditionally receives around half the expenditure with the air force and navy each receiving about 22%.

  ★ IHS Janes