Defense Ministry: US Drone Plant Plans Still Under Study
Thailand's Defense Ministry said plans for a US drone manufacturing facility remain in early study stages with no formal agreements yet, as officials continue assessing feasibility and potential technology transfer benefits.
The Defense Ministry spokesman clarified on August 13 that the United States setting up a drone manufacturing facility in Thailand remains in the study and feasibility assessment phase, with no formal agreements yet on which systems would be produced. Pol. Maj. Gen. Surasant Kongsiri explained that the permanent secretary's recent visit to the United States was an opportunity to gather information, observe technology, and demonstrate Thailand's capacity to develop and support low-cost unmanned systems such as LUCAS.
He confirmed that no binding agreements, commitments, or specifications exist regarding which systems must be manufactured, nor has the US received approval to establish a drone factory in Thailand. All activities remain in the detailed study phase, including feasibility assessment and determining a technology transfer framework that maximizes Thailand's benefits.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Surasant emphasized that Thailand has long pursued defense industry development, with unmanned systems and drone technology among key growth areas. The government and Defense Ministry prioritize defense industry development with the goal of long-term self-reliance. Therefore, learning and studying technology from expert nations is essential through various mechanisms including offset policies, technology transfer agreements, co-production arrangements, defense industrial base development, and joint investment to strengthen Thai military capabilities and industrial capacity.
