Thailand Pushes for Domestic Defense Industry Growth, Encouraging Military Use of 'Made in Thailand' Products

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is prioritizing the upgrading of Thailand's defense industry, aiming to transform the nation from a mere procurer to a developer and producer of its own security technologies. The government is actively supporting the use of 'Made in Thailand' products to ensure that defense-related expenditures recirculate within the Thai economy, creating jobs, developing human capital, and enhancing the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs. Government spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek stated that the Prime Minister is continuously monitoring the progress of the defense industry. Most recently, the THAIDEF-EX 2026 exhibition, held from July 8-10, 2026, was reported as a significant success. The event featured 112 booths from Thai companies, attracted over 4,000 visitors, and facilitated more than 53 business matchmaking sessions, generating economic value of no less than 500 million baht. This success reflects the growing potential of Thailand's defense industry to create added value in terms of technology, investment, and exports. Based on these achievements, the Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to leverage the outcomes of the exhibition for practical application. This includes strengthening research and development support for technologies, armaments, and innovations developed by Thais. Furthermore, the military and security agencies are being urged to increase their consideration of domestically produced products, thereby creating opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to grow and integrate into the global defense industry supply chain. The Ministry of Defence is taking concrete steps to implement this policy. Defence Minister Gen. Adul Boonmascharoen has directed departments under the ministry and the armed forces to consider using 'Made in Thailand' products. This will be pursued in conjunction with the 'Offset Policy' for imported armaments and the establishment of 'Local Content' quotas, aiming to boost technology transfer, elevate Thai industries, and cultivate skilled engineering and innovation personnel for future industries. Moreover, the government's intent extends to international cooperation. During the official visit to Malaysia by the Defence Minister from July 13-14, discussions were held on expanding defense industry cooperation, including supply chain integration, technology exchange, and joint capability development. Both countries are also looking to build upon the 'First Win' wheeled armored vehicle production project and explore opportunities for aircraft maintenance cooperation with Malaysia's AIROD company, with the goal of enhancing Thai entrepreneurs' potential, fostering technological linkages, and expanding market access. For future cooperation, Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to push for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation during the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting later this year. This MOU aims to lay the foundation for long-term collaboration in research, technological development, and joint defense industry development. Additionally, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has signed an MOU on the defense industry with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Industry. This agreement targets the translation of security technology research and development, encompassing both military and dual-use applications, into actual production and utilization for national security. This initiative seeks to benefit the public, foster commercial ventures, enhance the competitiveness of the private sector, reduce imports, and promote high-tech industries. "The government views the defense industry not just from a security perspective, but as a high-tech sector capable of generating innovation, quality personnel, and economic opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Supporting the military's adoption of 'Made in Thailand' products, coupled with expanded cooperation with neighboring countries, will help circulate funds domestically, increase self-reliance, and lead to high-value exports in the future. This simultaneously strengthens both national security and economic resilience," stated Ms. Rachada.