The Army Commander recalled the rapid development of the Thailand-Cambodia conflict and highlighted an urgent adjustment in plans to procure drones before the annual budget is approved. Meanwhile, the Army Chief of Staff is preparing to request a budget amendment for troop deployments along the border.
On 17 Jul 2026 GMT+7, General Pana Klaewplodtook, Commander of the Royal Thai Army, explained the rationale for the 2027 fiscal budget proposal before the special committee reviewing the budget bill. He noted that during the first round of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, the situation escalated very quickly, requiring constant plan adjustments, including procuring military equipment to respond to the situation. At that time, the Army did not have drones ready for deployment. By the second round of fighting, small drones were continuously developed and produced locally by artillery units to conduct reconnaissance, locate artillery targets, and advance to armed drones and night surveillance drones.
All these events happened rapidly and the Army had no drones in its standard inventory, but the situation was managed successfully. Subsequently, a budget system was established for this purpose.
"Many things happened so fast, with uncertainty over what would happen first or last. The important thing was to protect sovereignty, safeguard lives, and stop threats, as we had never faced such threats before. Therefore, many questions from the committee were expected," he said.
Regarding the construction of the Army conference hall, it was initiated following orders from the National Council for Peace and Order and completed in 2023. Currently, it is used for meetings of units directly under the Army as well as various activities, and some government agencies have requested to use it. Discussions are ongoing with the Comptroller General’s Department, Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance, and relevant agencies to consider proper and regulation-compliant management methods.
This includes setting a revenue-sharing rate for the state if outside government agencies or private entities use the hall. As it is a large building with high maintenance costs, the Army currently uses it sparingly because upkeep requires significant budget.
Concerning the 304 million baht budget for procuring military equipment in the southern border provinces, the Army will purchase safety equipment for personnel, including special items such as night surveillance cameras and repair parts, which are distinct from the budget of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4.
General Chaipruk Duangprapat, Army Chief of Staff, explained that the troop budget allocation for the 1st Army Area's Eastern Force and the 2nd Army Area's Suranaree Force was reduced by over 1 billion baht. The Army has three approaches to address this: first, to propose a budget amendment as it is necessary given that during the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, forces were deployed not only from the 2nd Army Area but also from Kanchanaburi, Saraburi, and the North. Currently, troop numbers have been adjusted downward according to the situation but still exceed the usual authorized strength of the Suranaree and Eastern Forces. Second, if the amendment is not approved, they may request a central budget. Third, if that fails, troop numbers may need to be reduced according to the allocated budget, with assessments over the next 3-6 months to determine if sufficient forces are needed to counter threats.
Regarding the air defense procurement project, the Army is preparing from medium- to long-range capabilities to counter curved trajectory weapons such as BM-21 rockets, which lack guidance and are transported on launch vehicles. While interception is not possible, early warning can be provided. The PHL-03 system can destroy threats once detected.
On claims that the Army has excessive weapons stockpiles, the Army Chief of Staff explained that worldwide militaries maintain a 90-day war reserve of ammunition. Due to limited budgets, the Army has had to reduce its reserves to 45 days or less. Currently, efforts are ongoing to increase ammunition stocks, which will take some time to reach the intended target.