Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s Defence Council on December 23 approved a white paper that outlines a plan to downsize the armed forces and reduce spending on weapons.
At its last meeting of the year, the council, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, reviewed the strategic plan for 2026-2037, which sets the direction of the military.
Phumtham said agencies under the ministry jurisdiction have their own strategic plans, which do not contradict one another. However, to achieve the goal of military downsizing, they all must operate under a united direction and in line with a national strategy, he said.
The council also acknowledged a bill to amend the Defence Act prepared by former defence minister Sutin Klungsang. It discussed the global situation and agreed that Thailand would maintain its neutral stance and act in the national interest.
Voluntary enlistment and disaster rescue operations were also topics brought up during the meeting, he added.
Defence Ministry spokesman Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng said the white paper would provide a framework for developing military preparedness and cohesion.
He said the armed forces have begun downsizing, and personnel will be reduced by 5% in 2027. Through an early retirement programme, the ministry aims to reduce the number of generals holding specialist positions and officers at the operation level by 50% by 2028./.
