Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed agencies to build on Thailand's domestic defence industry, with the armed forces and security bodies encouraged to choose more Made in Thailand products. Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said on 30 July 2026 that the policy aims to move Thailand beyond simply sourcing security equipment towards developing and manufacturing its own technologies. The government wants security spending to circulate within the Thai economy, creating jobs, developing skilled workers and strengthening local businesses. Defence exhibition reports 500 million baht in deals Anutin has followed progress in the sector and was recently briefed on THAIDEF-EX 2026, held from 8 to 10 July. The event featured 112 booths from Thai businesses, attracted more than 4,000 visitors and resulted in more than 53 business matches, with economic value of at least 500 million baht. According to the government, this shows Thailand's defence industry is becoming a higher-value sector for technology, investment and exports. The prime minister has told relevant agencies to turn the exhibition's results into practical use, including through research and development of Thai-made technology, equipment and innovations. He also wants the military and security agencies to consider locally produced products more often, allowing Thai firms to grow and enter international defence supply chains. Military told to favour local content Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen has ordered Defence Ministry units and the armed services to consider Made in Thailand products. This will run alongside the offset policy for imported military equipment and the setting of local-content shares. The measures are intended to increase technology transfers, upgrade Thai industry and develop engineering and innovation personnel for future industries. Ratchada said the policy is also being pursued through international cooperation. During the defence minister's official visit to Malaysia on 13-14 July, the two countries discussed closer defence-industry ties, including supply-chain links, technology exchanges and joint capability development. Thailand and Malaysia plan further cooperation The two sides will build on the First Win wheeled armoured vehicle production project and explore aircraft maintenance cooperation with Malaysian company AIROD. They also agreed to seek the signing of a defence cooperation memorandum of understanding at the Thailand-Malaysia General Border Committee meeting later this year. Separately, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has signed a defence-industry MOU with the Defence and Industry ministries. It is intended to take military and dual-use security research into production and real-world use, including for public benefit and commercial applications. Ratchada said the government sees defence as a high-technology industry capable of generating innovation, skilled personnel and economic opportunities, while reducing imports and supporting higher-value exports. Join the discussion? 31 July 2026
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