November 9, 2023
BANGKOK – Several Thai companies are among 500 leading manufacturers of military and internal security equipment from 40 countries showcasing their products at the “Defence & Security 2023” exhibition.
This year’s defence expo is being held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi from Monday to Thursday.
Among the Thai manufacturers on site is Chaiseri, a Pathum Thani-based company that specialises in defence land systems for armoured vehicles, track systems and run-flat tyres, as well as maintenance and upgrading services for military vehicles.
Chaiseri ships products and services to more than 40 countries, helping to maintain readiness of equipment for defence forces across the world.
Jatunapas, based in Nakhon Pathom, is showcasing its 20 years of experience in manufacturing and designing military equipment and systems. This includes upgrading the BTR-3 armoured personnel carrier as a command-control vehicle.
Private shipbuilder Marsun, based in Samut Prakan, has delivered more than 322 ships to government and private agencies in Thailand and overseas.
These include fast patrol craft, fast attack missile craft, crew and supply vessels, ferries, motor yachts, oil spill recovery vessels, and multi-purpose craft.
Also at this week’s exhibition is Weapons Manufacture Industries, a joint-venture company established under the Defence Technology Act that aims to boost Thailand’s potential for weapons manufacturing.
The company is setting up a gun manufacturing plant in Lopburi to support the Defence Ministry, Thai military, police and related agencies’ operations.
The top five weapons exporters last year were the US (305.15 billion baht), Russia (104.29 billion baht), France (64.95 billion baht), Germany (40.11 billion baht) and Spain (39.10 billion baht).
Meanwhile, the top five weapon importers were India (91.13 billion baht), Saudi Arabia (80.29 billion baht), Australia (53.98 billion baht), South Korea (42.82 billion baht) and Egypt (42.68 billion baht). Thailand ranked 32nd with imports worth 4.29 billion baht.