Trimming large as budget balloons in the government
According to Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang, the administration’s plan to reduce the size of the armed forces will result in a reduction in the number of generals at the Defense Ministry in half within three times.
During a discussion on Thursday night’s second reading of the budget costs for the 2024 fiscal year, he was responding to opposition parties ‘ condemnation of military budget spending.
According to Mr. Sutin, there are more than 700 military commanders who work as professionals but do not carry important positions at the Defense Ministry. By 2027, that amount may be cut in half, or roughly 380, according to him.
There would be more than 1,400 top brass, according to options, if the army, navy, and heat causes combined with those at the government. The number of commanders is anticipated to decline before 2027, according to Mr. Sutin, and the government will also launch an early retirement program.
According to a new regulation he issued regarding the reform of the Defense Ministry, some employees, including those who work as doctors, administrators, and those in charge of budget analysis, will no longer hold military ranks.
According to Mr. Sutin, the restructuring of the armed forces may also include combining military units that perform comparable tasks and eliminating specific positions after their holders retire.
Mr. Sutin responded to criticism that the Defense Ministry has received sizable budget allocations by stating that its demand is still lower than that of other departments.
The Interior Ministry, which requested 353 billion baht, is one of the top five ministers receiving the highest allotments; Ministry of Education, 328 billion ringgit; 327 billion ringgit from the Finance Ministry; 198 billion ringgit go to the Defense Ministry; and the 183 billion ringgit Transport Ministry.
Mr. Sutin responded that the Defense Ministry’s resources allocation may still be increasing, albeit at a lower rate, when asked why it is refusing to scale back its finances spending despite the nation experiencing financial hardship.
The Defense Ministry’s budget has only increased by 1 % in comparison to the national budget, which rose by 9.9 %. 2-1. 3 %. This is essentially a lower, according to Mr. Sutin.
The secretary also clarified a situation involving the military’s intention to purchase an underwater Chinese submarine.
” I am requesting fairness. The previous state was the one who started the submarine job. I merely intervened to address the issue. I ca n’t help but draw criticism, he said.
He also made reference to the navy’s plan to replace its planned acquisition of a Chinese submersible worth 16 billion baht with one made of frigates, despite the fact that the new arrangement is thought to charge one billion more.
China’s inability to obtain a European website for the underwater the navy ordered led to the switch. Berlin cited legal limitations that forbid the use of its vehicles in Taiwanese military equipment.
We would n’t be able to get the 6 billion baht we paid in previous installments if the submarine procurement contract with China was revoked, according to someone. relations to China must also be considered, Mr. Sutin said.
He stated that he “is expected to give an opinion on the matter within a few days” after asking the attorney general if the deal could be revoked.
Chaithawat Tulathon, the head of the Move Forward Party, and members of all the opposition parties declared their opposition to the 2024 funds act on Friday.
According to Mr. Chaithawat, the opposition parties concur that the bill’s budget allocations demonstrate the government is not making an effort to address the nations most pressing problems, such as financial difficulties and environmental and educational concerns.
Budget allocations do certainly reflect the seriousness and scope of the issues. Some allotments that are necessary are disallowed, while others are permitted. “”