By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
BANGKOK, July 30 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Malaysia are stepping up cooperation to jointly develop their defence industries through technology transfer, supply chain integration and industrial collaboration, as both countries seek to strengthen the regional defence ecosystem.
Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the commitment was highlighted during Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen's official visit to Malaysia on July 13 and14, where both sides discussed expanding collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology.
Ratchada said the two countries also agreed to build on their existing cooperation under the First Win wheeled armoured vehicle programme and explore aircraft maintenance collaboration with Malaysia's AIROD (Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Overhaul Depot).
"The initiatives are expected to enhance the capabilities of Thai defence manufacturers, facilitate technology transfer and expand access to international markets," she said in a statement on Thursday.
The cooperation is also expected to complement Thailand's domestic efforts to strengthen its defence industry, expand regional industrial linkages and create new opportunities for advanced defence technology development.
Ratchada said Thailand and Malaysia also agreed to push for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation during the Thailand-Malaysia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting later this year.
She said the MoU would provide a long-term framework for cooperation in defence research, technology development and industrial collaboration between the two countries.
According to Ratchada, the bilateral initiatives are in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy of developing Thailand into a producer and developer of defence technologies while reducing the country's reliance on imported equipment.
"The government is encouraging the armed forces to prioritise Made in Thailand defence products alongside offset procurement policies and local content requirements to strengthen domestic capabilities and promote technology transfer," she said
Ratchada said the policy has gained momentum following the successful staging of THAIDEF-EX 2026, which attracted more than 4,000 visitors, featured 112 Thai exhibitors, and generated at least 500 million baht (about US$14.86 million) in business value through 53 business-matching partnerships.
-- NNN-BERNAMA