Nonthaburi: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul invites the public to visit the ThaiDef-Ex 2026 exhibition, highlighting the defense industry as a mechanism for creating security and a new economy, connecting research and innovation to enhance the country's capabilities.
According to Thai News Agency, today at the Multipurpose Building, Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Srisaman area, Pakkret District, Nonthaburi Province, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026). Executives from the Ministry of Defence, commanders of the armed forces, representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and defense industry entrepreneurs attended the event.
Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that prior to the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister received a briefing on the operations at the Defense Industry Exhibition 2026, then boarded the Jackal and First Win armored vehicles to travel to the multi-purpose building. He then watched the "Power of Self-Reliance" performance and delivered an opening speech, stating that he was very pleased to participate in the opening of ThaiDef-Ex 2026, which reflects Thailand's readiness not only in national defense and sovereignty but also in self-reliance and enhancing economic competitiveness in a rapidly changing global context.
The current global situation, characterized by geopolitical conflicts and supply chain constraints, has led many countries to focus more on self-reliance. Therefore, Thailand must accelerate the development of a strong defense industry to enhance national security, coupled with technological advancements, industrial upgrading, and increasing the country's economic value.
The Prime Minister stated that the defense industry remains a key driver of advanced technology research and development, the development of engineering and innovation personnel, and the creation of domestic supply chains, which will have a broad positive impact on other industries. Many types of technology used in daily life, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite navigation systems, and specialty materials, all originated from security research before being developed into commercial applications.
The Prime Minister emphasized that investment in the defense industry is not just about security, but also about investing in the future of Thai industry and enhancing the country's competitiveness. He expressed confidence that Thailand has the potential to become a major hub for defense technology production and development in the region.
The government prioritizes integrated cooperation across all sectors to create a comprehensive link between research, development, and production in the country. This signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the three ministries is a significant step in connecting knowledge, research capabilities, production capacity, and actual needs, thereby driving tangible growth in Thailand's defense industry.
The Prime Minister stated that cooperation from all sectors will be the starting point for creating new value for the country, and thanked all government agencies, the private sector, and stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in driving the growth of Thailand's defense industry through innovation and true self-reliance.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister, along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Industry, touched the LED screen to officially open the exhibition.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister presided over the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation for national security and the development of the defense industry between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Ministry of Industry, to promote cooperation and the development of Thailand's defense industry.
Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister posed for a group photo with the Cabinet and executives before visiting an exhibition showcasing Thailand's defense industry capabilities. The exhibition displayed technologies, innovations, and equipment from government agencies, the private sector, and defense industry entrepreneurs. The aim was to promote self-reliance in security, drive domestic technological development, and foster collaboration between the government, academic institutions, and industry, ultimately strengthening and ensuring the sustainable growth of Thailand's defense industry.
THAIDEF-EX 2026, the first ever Thai Defense Industry Exhibition, serves as a central platform to showcase Thailand's technological capabilities, innovations, and research achievements, while fostering networking and collaboration among government, private sector, academia, and research institutions under the theme "Power of Self Reliance."