NONTHABURI — 8 July 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday inaugurated the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026), reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the domestic defence industry, promoting self-reliance and boosting Thailand’s competitiveness, while ending his remarks with the message, “Make Love, Not War.”
The opening ceremony was held at 08:00 on 8 July 2026 at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Si Saman, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi.
Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, arrived at the venue standing atop a First Win mine-resistant armoured vehicle alongside Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen. Several cabinet members also attended the event, including Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yoschanan Wongsawat, Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul and Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi.
In his opening address, Anutin said the exhibition demonstrates Thailand’s readiness not only to safeguard its sovereignty but also to build economic resilience through greater self-reliance.
He said the global landscape has shifted dramatically, with geopolitical conflicts disrupting trade, investment and supply chains that once operated with few restrictions.
“Many countries are now turning towards self-reliance to ensure security and sustainable production instead of depending on imports,” he said.
The prime minister said developing Thailand’s defence industry would strengthen national security while creating opportunities to advance technology, upgrade manufacturing capabilities and generate greater economic value.
He said Thailand’s manufacturing capacity and strategic location position the country to become a competitive production hub for defence technologies in the global market.
Anutin described THAIDEF-EX 2026 as a major milestone in the country’s industrial development, saying investment in the defence sector would encourage research, high technology development, engineering and innovation, while creating opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to move into higher-value industries.
He noted that many technologies widely used today, including unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite navigation systems and advanced materials, originated from defence-related research before being adapted for commercial and civilian applications.
The prime minister stressed that investment in the defence industry should be viewed not only as an investment in national security but also in the future competitiveness of Thailand’s economy.
He expressed confidence that Thailand has the potential to become one of the region’s leading producers of defence technology.
Anutin also pledged continued cooperation between domestic and international partners to establish an integrated ecosystem linking research, development and manufacturing.
He said the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Ministry of Industry marks an important strategic step in connecting research expertise, production capabilities and operational needs to develop Thailand’s defence technology sector.
Following the ceremony, Anutin toured exhibition booths showcasing weapons and military equipment produced by Thai companies. He signed a commemorative message using a bullet-shaped pen, writing, “Congratulations on your success.”
Before leaving, he reiterated his personal message to reporters, saying, “Make Love, Not War.”
