Cambodian defence budget increases 17% [Hun Sen is buying the army's loyalty so they would not turn against him]

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

12 November 2013

Cambodia's parliament approved a 2014 defence budget of KHR1.8 trillion (UD468 million) on 12 November, a 17% increase over the spending allocation in 2013. The budget represents 14% of total annual expenditure and approximately 3.3% of GDP.

Commenting on the defence budget earlier this month, Cambodian government officials told the Phnom Penh Post that the majority of defence funding would be allocated to salaries and military operations. Cambodia's limited defence procurement budget would be directed towards purchasing infantry equipment.

The budget was approved one day after the International Court of Justice ruled that Cambodia held sovereignty over land surrounding the Preah Vihear temple on the border with Thailand.