Despite being so vast, military spending does not contribute to economic growth. In accordance with the country's budget regulations, relinquishing an approved budget is complicated, and that may affect next year's planned expenditure. The military regime under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, chief of the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), had faced harsh criticism with its approval of the procurement of military hardware and weapons that would not have happened under a civilian government. The coup-appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) acted as a rubber stamp, while taxpayers are left to shoulder the burden from the huge military spending spree. In pursuing heavy military spending in a time of economic hardship, the generals should know they are harming the government's stability more than any external enemies, if there are any, could ever do.

Source: Bangkok Post April 29, 2021 23:15 UTC