The recent passing of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government's national budget for fiscal year 2019, with a 20% increase in national security spending, has attracted much public criticism -- as it should.
The coup-installed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) unanimously approved the 3-trillion-baht budget last week, representing 17.1% of GDP, which set a new record. Of the 200-member NLA, 197 agreed with the bill and three abstained.
Gen Prayut insisted the budget matches the needs of the nation and is an investment in Thailand's future.
