Thai calls for end to arms build-up

Thai calls for end to arms build-up

BANGKOK (AFP): Defense Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh urged Thailand's Southeast Asian neighbors on Thursday to halt weapons purchases and instead divert the money into development programs.

Chavalit, a former prime minister and army chief, said he would propose the initiative at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) security forum later this year.

"Thailand will propose ASEAN finds a way to reduce the procurement of new arms because there should be unity in the group, and therefore no security concerns," he said.

He said the 10 ASEAN members continued to spend large amounts on new armaments, even though many of their economies were still weak after the 1997-98 regional financial meltdown.