(Government House photo)Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stood by the Defence Ministry's weapons procurement projects, saying they are essential to boosting national security, after the opposition took aim at the ministry's budget on Thursday. On the third day of deliberation for next year's budget, Gen Prayut -- who is also serving as Defence Minister -- told parliament that the ministry has to ensure it is capable of dealing with any form of security threat despite its limited budget. According to Deputy Defence Minister Chaichan Changmongkol, the ministry has been allocated 197.2 billion baht for the next fiscal year, down 4.37 billion baht from the budget in the previous fiscal year. The PM jumped to the budget's defence after deputy Pheu Thai Party leader Yuttapong Charasathien took aim at military spending, saying a number of procurement projects lack transparency. The Royal Thai Navy had previously countered the MP's claim, saying the navy has outlined its required engine specifications and China will have to honour the contract.

Source: Bangkok Post June 03, 2022 04:26 UTC