Thailand Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1957–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$6.1 billion
Ranked #41 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.3%
Ranked #109 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $5.8B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$7.1 billion
Reached in 2020
Thailand Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Thailand is estimated to have spent $6.1 billion on military and defense, representing 1.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Thailand is the #41 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $5.8 billion to $6.1 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.4% in 1979. The historical average military budget is 2.3% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 1.30% | $6,127M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.30% | $5,849M |
| 2024 | 1.08% | $5,570M |
| 2023 | 1.13% | $5,746M |
| 2022 | 1.24% | $6,149M |
| 2021 | 1.42% | $7,021M |
| 2020 | 1.46% | $7,133M |
| 2019 | 1.33% | $6,884M |
| 2018 | 1.33% | $6,717M |
| 2017 | 1.34% | $6,567M |
| 2016 | 1.33% | $6,233M |
| 2015 | 1.34% | $5,919M |
| 2014 | 1.38% | $5,715M |
| 2013 | 1.35% | $5,482M |
| 2012 | 1.39% | $5,516M |
| 2011 | 1.39% | $5,316M |
| 2010 | 1.52% | $5,775M |
| 2009 | 1.54% | $5,391M |
| 2008 | 1.25% | $4,369M |
| 2007 | 1.02% | $3,505M |