Thai Forces Launch AI Warfare Plan in Bangkok

The Royal Thai Armed Forces are set to establish a Joint Capabilities Command (JCC) in the next fiscal year to advance autonomous military systems and enhance multi-domain warfare capabilities. This move, initiated at a meeting chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Ukris Boontanondha, involves commanders from the army, navy, air force, and the national police.

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The primary focus of the agenda was on developing autonomous systems to address evolving security challenges. Emphasizing AI and other technologies, the Royal Thai Armed Forces unveiled an "All Domain Operations" vision, targeting improvements in operational precision, casualty reduction, and steady operational capacity across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.

Military officials have already integrated a joint unit under the JCC for autonomous systems and air defense. Strengthening ties with domestic defense industries and academic institutions like Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, and Chiang Mai universities remains a core component of the strategy for long-term self-reliance in defense technology.

Post-meeting, spokesman Maj Gen Withai Laithomya highlighted a proposed three-tier framework for autonomous systems. The first level maintains human control over final decisions, such as with attack drones. The second level allows systems to function independently with periodic human checks, useful in unmanned surface vessels. Fully autonomous systems make up the third level, designed for inaccessible, high-risk environments.

These systems promise increased speed, continuous operations, and enhanced battlefield safety. Current deployments include AI-based cyber threat systems, disaster evacuation drones, and mine-clearing vehicles.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 19 May 2026