WASHINGTON--27 Apr--PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuest Thailand's Military is Sucking Money Away from Public Health Thailand's Ministry of Health recently launched a movement to steal American technology by issuing "compulsory licenses" for patented medical innovations. The Minister of Health, Mongkol na Songkhla, installed after the military took control of Thailand's government in September 2006, claims that he cannot afford U.S. medicines. News coverage since the military coup in September indicates that Thailand has plenty of new funds for projects - those projects simply do not include public health. - The Thai National Legislative Assembly Increased Military Spending By Almost 50 Percent For Fiscal Year 2007. "The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) passed, in its first reading, the Defence [sic] Ministry's proposed 2007 budget of Bt115 billion, an almost 50 percent increase over fiscal 2006." ("Military Now Has To Shape Up," The [Thailand] Nation, 12/8/06) - Overall, The Thai Government Will Spend About $3.2 Billion On Its Military. "The special legislative committee vetting the 2007 Budget Bill Monday agreed to allocate 115 billion baht (3.2 billion U.S. dollars) for Thai military spending without any alterations, committee spokesman Preecha Watcharapai said." ("3.2 Billion USD Budget Approved For Thai Military Spending," Xinhua General News Service, 12/11/06) - The Military Budget Does Not Include New Arms Which, According To A Spokesman, Will Be Funded From Diverting Money "From Low Priority Projects." "The approved budget did not include additional allocations for new arms, [Watcharapai] said, noting that the military has yet to specify the money needed for arms procurement. The additional allocations, if approved, will not impact on the total spending as funds would be diverted from low priority projects, he said." ("3.2 Billion USD Budget Approved For Thai Military Spending," Xinhua General News Service, 12/11/06) - About Two-Thirds Of Thailand's Military Spending Pays For Salaries In Its "Top-Heavy Structure." "Between them, the Army, Navy and Air Force have hundreds of desk-bound generals, admirals and air marshals who have no real job to do. Such a top-heavy structure explains why the military is spending up to 60-70 percent of its total budget on salaries, leaving little to upgrade weapon systems or to maintain a high level of battle-readiness." ("Military Now Has To Shape Up," The [Thailand] Nation, 12/8/06) - "The Junta Has Also Formed Its Own 14,000-Strong Security Force Outside That Budget, At A Cost Of 15 Million Dollars." ("Winners And Losers Six Months After Thai Coup," Agence France Presse, 3/18/07) - Committee Spokesman Preecha Watcharapai: "The Defense Ministry Will Receive Its Full Budget As Per Its Request ..." ("3.2 Billion USD Budget Approved For Thai Military Spending," Xinhua General News Service, 12/11/06) - The [Thailand] Nation: "Lacking Funds Is The Least Of The Problems Compared To The Bloated Bureaucracy That The Armed Forces Have Become." ("Military Now Has To Shape Up," The [Thailand] Nation, 12/8/06) About USA for Innovation USA for Innovation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of intellectual property and continued innovation around the globe. USA for Innovation educates decision makers, the media and general public about threats to innovation. For additional information, please contact us at +1-866-646-8668 or [email protected] SOURCE: USA for Innovation CONTACT: USA for Innovation, +1-866-646-8668, or [email protected] --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--