1960s
During the 1960s Thailand experienced one of the most rapid growth rates among developing countries—more than 10% per year in GNP, and about 8% per year in real output. The First National Economic Development Plan (1961-1966) was successfully implemented. US grant economic assistance totals about $500 million through the end of 1970. Direct military assistance totaled another $800 million for the same period; continuing at the rate of $25 and $55 million per year. According to US government statistics, between 1950 and 1987 the US provided Thailand with more than US$2 billion in military assistance.
The vast nature of this enterprise enriched Thailand at every level of society, enabling a jump in indigenous heavy construction, communications, transportation, and defense. The following categories are found in United States Government Accountability Office catalog summaries: Locomotives, Aeronautical Ground Services, Bangkok-Saraburi Highway, Southern Roads, Development Loans, Technical Support, Civil Police, Village Radios, Agricultural Development, Rural Health, Potable Water, Malaria Eradication, Rural Elecrification, Chiangmai Medical School.
Additionally there was the construction of 315 km (196 mi) of all-weather roads located in the North and North-East, requiring 138 bridges and culverts, costing $11 million ($174,000 for maintenance equipment; requiring the training of 199 (36 mechanics, 6 supply specialists, 97 equipment operators, 60 drivers)).
Read more about this topic: Royal Thai Air Force Bases, History