NIDC Approves Defense Industry Framework Under Thai First Policy
Thailand's National Industrial Development Committee has approved a four-pillar framework to develop the domestic defense industry covering drones, ammunition, vehicles, and aircraft. The plan supports the "Thai First" procurement policy, creates a certified product registry, establishes one-stop certification services, and aims to boost exports of Thai-made defense equipment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthamphandhu, chairing the NIDC's second 2026 meeting, announced the committee endorsed guidelines for driving defense industry development. The framework will be used to draft an action plan for submission to the NIDC and Cabinet. The meeting also acknowledged improvements to the industrial production index using a chain-link approach to better reflect the industrial sector and economy, promoting efficient use of existing technology and production capacity while reducing import dependence.
Industry Minister Warawut Silpa-archa outlined four key pillars: 1) establishing a registry of certified defense products for government and military procurement; 2) enforcing "Thai First" procurement conditions favoring domestically made, certified goods; 3) creating a one-stop service integrating testing, inspection, and certification infrastructure, linking facilities like the National Automotive and Tire Testing Center (ATTRIC); and 4) boosting export support mechanisms including financing, market development, trade promotion, and regulatory review to remove export barriers for defense equipment.
Thailand currently has about 142 defense industry entrepreneurs with potential to develop and produce key products, some already supplying domestically and exporting. The initiative aims to link Thai entrepreneurs' potential with government demand, increasing the share of locally made products across four groups: combat and support vehicles, unmanned aircraft and related industries, agricultural machinery, naval vessels, and firearms and ammunition.
The meeting also approved forming a Defense Industry Development Drive Committee, chaired by the Industry Ministry, to steer policy and measures promoting domestically produced defense goods, covering registration, databases, and standards.
