The Difference in Military Spending Ratios Between Cambodia and Thailand (2000-2024)

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) compiled the ratio of military expenditure to gross domestic product (GDP) for Cambodia and Thailand, two countries currently in conflict.

The ratio of military expenditure to GDP for both countries is not significantly different. Since 2000, it has ranged from 0.60% to 2% annually.

At times, Cambodia allocated a higher percentage of its budget to military spending than Thailand. For example, in 2000, Cambodia's military spending was 2.19% of its GDP, while Thailand's was only 1.49%.

2000 marked the highest percentage for Cambodia. Thailand's highest ratio of military expenditure to GDP was in 2009, at 1.54%.

SIPRI also recorded the percentage of military spending from the government expenditure of both countries. Proportionally, Cambodia allocated a higher percentage.

Cambodia's highest proportion of government spending on the military was in 2000, at 14.69%, while Thailand's was 8.04% in the same year. It is important to note, however, that the two countries have different levels of income, with Thailand having a higher income than Cambodia.

According to Katadata, Thailand launched air strikes on two Cambodian military facilities in Ubon Ratchathani Province. This province is located approximately 450 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital.

Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, Deputy Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, stated that the attacks took place on Thursday, July 24th. "We have used air power to strike military targets as planned," Suksuwanon said, as reported by the Bangkok Post on Thursday (July 24th).

This air strike occurred just hours after Cambodian troops fired on a Thai military base in Surin Province, northeastern Thailand, and launched rockets into the border region of Si Sa Ket Province.

According to The New York Times, this border dispute stems from a 1907 map created during the French colonial period in Cambodia. This map forms the basis of Cambodia's claim to several border areas. However, due to the map's ambiguity, differing interpretations have arisen, and Thailand rejects Cambodia's claim.

(Read Katadata: The Root of the Thailand-Cambodia Conflict: A Border Dispute Since the Past)