Thailand Defense Military Reform

In June 2023, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the Defense Ministry to proceed with the Five-Year Ministry of Defense’s Reorganization Plan (2023-2028).

While no specific equipment needs have been announced, the reorganization plan creates business opportunities for U.S. suppliers of defense, safety, and security equipment that could help modernize the Thai military and reduce costs.

To learn more about your security and defense product’s potential in the Thai Market, contact Senior Commercial Specialist Kitisorn Sookpradist at kitisorn.sookpradist@trade.gov

The Reorganization Plan aims to accomplish the following national security strategic goals:

1. Increase the Ministry’s efficiency by reducing military units and personnel.
2. Equip the Thai military with advanced defense equipment sufficient to protect Thailand’s sovereignty.
3. Enhance the ability to cope with multiple threats with multi-mission capability.
4. Increase capacity to handle a changing national security environment.
5. Reduce or close military units with redundant roles and responsibilities.

In addition, Thailand’s Ministry of Defense follows a Five-Year International Military Security Cooperation Plan (2023-2028) focused on promoting international relations with military forces of friendly countries.  The plan promotes international military operations, including joint military exercises, high-level commander visits, military education exchange programs, bilateral and multilateral meetings, and Memorandums of Understanding.  The goal is also to increase trust among military forces of friendly countries.