Thai Prime Minister Anutin drives Made‑in‑Thailand defence industry

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the expansion of Thailand’s defence industry, urging the armed forces to adopt Made‑in‑Thailand products. The policy aims to move the sector from a supplier role to one that designs, develops and manufactures its own security technologies, creating jobs and reducing reliance on imports.

The government highlighted the success of the THAIDEF‑EX 2026 exhibition held 8‑10 July, which hosted 112 Thai exhibitors, attracted more than 4,000 visitors and generated 53 business matches valued at at least 500 million baht. The Ministry of Defence, under Defence Minister Phlat Thul Buonthamchart, has instructed units to consider domestic products alongside offset and local‑content policies.

During a July visit to Malaysia, the defence minister discussed extending supply‑chain cooperation, technology exchange and joint projects such as the First Win armoured‑vehicle tyre programme and a partnership with Malaysia’s AIROD for aircraft maintenance, signalling broader regional collaboration.