Army chief praises NLA for approving Bt2.72-tn 2016 national budget
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ARMY CHIEF General Udomdej Sitabutr thanked the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for approving the 2016 national budget worth Bt2.72 trillion.
“In general, the budget has increased slightly from last year. [Military spending in] this budget is mostly allocated to Army forces for soldiers’ salaries and stipends. This accounts around 60 per cent of the total budget.
“In the meantime, the Army will also allocate funds for development projects and other missions. Some munitions will also have to be replaced, though not that much. We try to maintain the capacity of the Army to make it acceptable to the eyes of international partners,” he said.
Udomdej added that sometimes there might be some misunderstanding by the public as to why the Army has to strengthen its capacity.
“I’d like to clarify that it is a matter of necessity, which does not mean that it’s for the purpose of preparing for war. However, we are moving towards the Asean Community. Therefore, there is the necessity to upgrade all [of the Army’s capacities] at an equal level.”
He added that Thailand’s international partners had upgraded their military capacities.
Udomdej also stressed that the general public should rest assured that the Army would not overspend the budget and would use it in an appropriate manner.
“Everyone is aware that we have to contribute to the good image of the country. Capacity development is conducted in accordance with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s policy,” he said.
“Even though [some parts of the budget] have been reduced, I’d like to thank the NLA and the committee … for having carefully taken the Army budget into consideration and approving it accordingly,” he said.
