PM Opens THAIDEF-EX 2026, Pushing Defense Self-Reliance

Thairath•Politics•20d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the THAIDEF-EX 2026 exhibition, emphasizing the nation's advancement in defense technology and its commitment to self-reliance.

•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opened the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026) on July 8, 2026.
•The exhibition aims to promote Thailand's defense industry and foster self-reliance.
•The event showcased advancements in domestic defense technology and strategic importance of local production.
•Several cabinet ministers attended the opening ceremony at the Ministry of Defence (Srisamarn).

Overview

•On July 8, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026).
•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived on a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle to officially open the THAIDEF-EX 2026 exhibition at the Ministry of Defence.
•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Thailand is ready not only for defense and sovereignty but also for self-reliance and economic competitiveness due to global changes.
•The global geopolitical landscape, with shifting supply chains and production limitations, necessitates a move towards self-reliance for national security and sustainability.
•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that investing in the defense industry is an investment in Thailand's future industrial capabilities and global competitiveness.
•A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and Ministry of Industry to integrate knowledge, research, and production capabilities for defense technology development.
•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited exhibition booths showcasing Thai-made defense equipment and signed a congratulatory message.
•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence in the Thai armed forces' readiness to protect the kingdom and reiterated the principle 'Even if seeking peace, one must be prepared for war'.

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Key Quotes

Anutin Charnvirakul

"Make Love, Not War."

Anutin Charnvirakul

"Even if seeking peace, one must be prepared for war."

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Key Entities

Person

Prime Minister(นายกฯ)

Attended and presided over the opening of the THAIDEF-EX 2026 exhibition, emphasizing national defense and self-reliance.

Anutin Charnvirakul(อนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล)ℹ️

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who presided over the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening ceremony and delivered key statements on defense industry development.

Gen. Adul Boonmasernjareon(พล.ท.อดุลย์ บุญธรรมเจริญ)

Minister of Defence, who attended the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening and participated in demonstrations.

Supajee Suthamphanth(นางศุภจี สุธรรมพันธ์)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, who attended the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening and participated in demonstrations.

Yotchannun Wongswat(นายยศชนัน วงศ์สวัสดิ์)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who attended the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening.

Varavuth Silpa-Archa(นายวราวุธ ศิลปอาชา)

Minister of Industry, who attended the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening.

Pharadon Phitsananantakul(นายภราดร ปริศนานันทกุล)

Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, who attended the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening.

Suppamas Isarapakdee(นางสาวศุภมาส อิสระภักดี)

Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, who attended the THAIDEF-EX 2026 opening.

Organization

Ministry of Defence(กระทรวงกลาโหม)ℹ️

The ministry whose headquarters hosted the THAIDEF-EX 2026 exhibition and signed a related MoU.

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation(กระทรวงการอุดมศึกษา วิทยาศาสตร์ วิจัยและนวัตกรรม)ℹ️

A ministry that signed an MoU with the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Industry aimed at developing Thailand's defense technology.

Ministry of Industry(กระทรวงอุตสาหกรรม)ℹ️

A ministry that signed an MoU with the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to foster defense technology development.

Place

Office of the Permanent Secretary of Defence (Srisamarn)(สำนักงานปลัดกระทรวงกลาโหม (ศรีสมาน))

The venue where the THAIDEF-EX 2026 exhibition was held.