Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for greater investment in Thailand’s domestic defence industry, saying it is essential for national security, economic resilience and long-term technological development. Speaking at the opening of the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, he said stronger local manufacturing would help the country reduce reliance on foreign supply chains amid growing geopolitical tensions.

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The exhibition, officially titled Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026), opened on 8 July at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Si Saman, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. Promoted as Thailand’s first THAIDEF-EX platform, the event brought together government agencies, private companies and researchers under the theme of defence industry self-reliance.

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Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, arrived at the venue aboard a First Win mine-resistant armoured vehicle alongside Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen. Several Cabinet ministers attended, including Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul and Prime Minister’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi.

In his opening address, Anutin said Thailand’s defence readiness extended beyond protecting sovereignty to strengthening economic resilience, technology development and industrial competitiveness. He said changing global conditions, including geopolitical tensions, fragmented supply chains and production constraints, had prompted many countries to increase their domestic manufacturing capabilities rather than depend heavily on overseas suppliers.

He said Thailand’s defence industry could enhance national security while creating opportunities to upgrade technology, strengthen industry and generate wider economic value. According to Anutin, Thailand’s manufacturing capability and strategic location position it well to compete as a regional production base for high-value industries.

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The prime minister described THAIDEF-EX 2026 as an important milestone that could support advanced research, engineering expertise, innovation and the development of Thai businesses. He noted that many technologies now widely used in civilian life, including unmanned aircraft, satellite navigation systems and specialised materials, originated from defence and security research.

Anutin said investment in the defence sector represented not only an investment in national security but also in the future competitiveness of Thai industry. He added that the government was promoting cooperation between the Defence Ministry, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Industry Ministry to connect research, development and manufacturing across the defence technology ecosystem.

A memorandum of understanding between the three ministries was presented during the event to strengthen collaboration between research institutions, manufacturers and defence users. Anutin said he believed Thailand had the potential to become one of the region’s leading defence technology producers. SoutheastAsians & Pacific Islanders

The Nation reported that after opening the exhibition, the prime minister toured displays of Thai-made defence equipment before signing a congratulatory message with a bullet-shaped pen, writing, “Congratulations on the success.” Speaking briefly to reporters afterwards, he added: “Make love, not war.”

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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9 July 2026

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I don't understand.. there is no threat for Thailand, besides the country is facing far worse problems than the army. The economy is going down, tourist industry is getting worse, investments are staying behind, the debt for households as for the country is too high. It would be better to cut down these activities to save money. No war is looming and people are being scared by the so called geopolitical tensions. Thailand is not a player in this at all.

A case of guns or butter?

Are the Thai military looking at new sources of personal income?