‘Secret’ security spending under fire as Thai budget prioritises defence over health

[webfact]

(Photo by Krit Phromsakla Na SAKOLNAKORN / THAI NEWS PIX / AFP)

 

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk

 

The opposition is targeting a “secret budget” worth more than Bt1 billion while vetting the Bt3.1-trillion budget for the 2022 fiscal year.

 

The budget bill passed its first parliamentary reading in early June and is now being vetted by the ad-hoc committee until August, before being sent back to Parliament for votes in the second and third readings.

 

The bill was criticized by both opposition and some government MPs for allocating large unexplained funds for national security and military purchases at a time when COVID-19 is crippling the economy.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/secret-security-spending-under-fire-as-thai-budget-prioritises-defence-over-health/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-06-23

 

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[darksidedog]

2 minutes ago, webfact said:

allocating large unexplained funds for national security and military purchases

You don't have to explain where unexplained funds have gone, and tanks and submarines are obviously more important to Prayut and Co than the welfare of the citizens. Shameful but true.

[NanLaew]

7 minutes ago, webfact said:

The bill was criticized by both opposition and some government MPs for allocating large unexplained funds for national security and military purchases at a time when COVID-19 is crippling the economy.

 

Because he with most guns always wins.

 

That's why.

[phetphet]

Easy. Toys for the boys.

[colinneil]

If anybody ever thought Prayut had a twisted warped mind, here is the proof.   

Spending billions on toys for the boys, meanwhile poor people are jobless and starving, bloody disgusting.

[trainman34014]

They are getting ready for the forthcoming Revolution and taking notes from their beloved 'Allies' in Burma !

[faraday]

Where's the <deleted> money coming from for these toys?

 

Now he's saying  the economy is in a "mess" & taxes need to be increased.

 

*Deleted*

 

[sapson]

1 hour ago, darksidedog said:

You don't have to explain where unexplained funds have gone, and tanks and submarines are obviously more important to Prayut and Co than the welfare of the citizens. Shameful but true.

Crikey as a mod you are allowed to mention the truth ? forgot that tanks and subs purchases come with enormous trouser lining incentives! 

 

You may find yourself invited for some Thai visa attitude adjustment training!

 

 

[mtls2005]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

allocating large unexplained funds for national security

 

 

Transparency in government.

 

 

[candide]

Already preparing for the next elections?

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, candide said:

Already preparing for the next elections?

Already preparing for the next coup?

[mrfill]

4 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

Because he with most guns always wins.

 

That's why.

 

Only the true weapons obsessives believe that fire power overcomes covid. I suppose they think they can empty a few magazines into the virus to wipe it out without the need for any kind of medical intervention.

[Isaan sailor]

So submarines and tanks shall be used against which enemies?

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The bill was criticized by both opposition and some government MPs for allocating large unexplained funds for national security and military purchases at a time when COVID-19 is crippling the economy.

Gotta keep all those Generals in the lap of luxury.

[Burma Bill]

23 minutes ago, Isaan sailor said:

So submarines and tanks shall be used against which enemies?

"Enemies" as defined by the puppet master - China. Vietnam comes to my mind!

[overt2016]

4 hours ago, colinneil said:

If anybody ever thought Prayut had a twisted warped mind, here is the proof.   

Spending billions on toys for the boys, meanwhile poor people are jobless and starving, bloody disgusting.

And NO vaccines insight!!!!

[fcbkk]

3 hours ago, Isaan sailor said:

So submarines and tanks shall be used against which enemies?

 

suppose an attack by the infamous killer dolphin army sent by some evil farang empire is not just entirely possible it might be imminent, in a military mind?

[tomazbodner]

Guys, be careful what you say against the czar so these toys don't turn against you

[sammieuk1]

Large unexplained funds are us the whole country is bang at it 24/7 ???? 

[Soikhaonoiken]

Discussting actions by this Government,  read earlier today that they have just ordered a troop carrier aircraft, due to be  delivered in 2023, This PM needs medical help..... 

(sorry unable to find the link again) 

[RichardColeman]

Plan.

14 hours ago, webfact said:

The opposition is targeting a “secret budget” worth more than Bt1 billion while vetting the Bt3.1-trillion budget for the 2022 fiscal year.

Whilst Thailand does not need more money spent on the military, I actually I cannot see the point of arguing about it , 1 billion baht is only about 23 million £. It's only 1/3,100 the of the entire budget !!

 

1 billion baht will be a drop in the ocean of rising debt Thailand is burying itself in with no hope of getting back in tax. This time next year without opening fully, Thailand will be a very dire economic country

 

 

[DaveE13]

More funds in Prayuts brothers account 

[Fex Bluse]

Writing is on the wall. There will be a massive blowup driven by China's aggression and the subsequent international response. 

 

Virtually all APAC countries and Western countries are increasing military spending significantly. Japan, Australia and Vietnam are good examples. 

 

The Thais would be quietly doing the same. 

[mikebell]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

allocating large unexplained funds for national security and military purchases

To top up the Generals' retirement funds; the military purchases are to keep the objectors quiet.

[law ling]

Such spending MAY have been justified if the entire army, from every general, down to all the conscripts, had been out patrolling the land borders these last 15 months.

 

(My working theory is that illegal entrants, and big-shots on casino runs, etc, is what has introduced much of the virus.)

 

But no, at this time of crisis, it seems the army had no particular role (other than to secure it's hold on government).

[brianthainess]

All of his horses and all of his men,

will never make Thailand happy again.

[248900_1469958220]

10 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Plan.

Whilst Thailand does not need more money spent on the military, I actually I cannot see the point of arguing about it , 1 billion baht is only about 23 million £. It's only 1/3,100 the of the entire budget !!

 

1 billion baht will be a drop in the ocean of rising debt Thailand is burying itself in with no hope of getting back in tax. This time next year without opening fully, Thailand will be a very dire economic country

 

 

Yes, I agree. I think its bad enough right now, though I am a little sheltered from it, teaching online at home in my cave. I am wondering just how bad this could get. Teaching online is all very well but, another 3 -6 months of it and parents will rightly be wondering where the money is going. How long can salaries be sustained in teaching especially in fully private schools. The system is <deleted>. Online teaching is barely working. It a mess to be honest. How hard is Thailand going to be hit as this situation does not resolve itself by New Year? I'd like to be optimistic but....I forsee real trouble, unfortunately. 

 

Thoughts? Anyone?