Thailand Deploys Defense Tech to Protect Forests and Combat Wildfires
Thailand's defense and environment ministries have partnered to use military technology, including drones and surveillance systems, to protect forests and prevent wildfires across the country through a five-year agreement.
Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has partnered with the Defense Ministry to strengthen forest protection and wildfire prevention nationwide. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Defense Technology on September 11 to integrate security-related knowledge and technology in support of forest conservation, preventing encroachment, and controlling wildfires across the country.
The signing ceremony took place at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry with Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin and Defense Minister General Adulyadej Buntaemcharoen as witnesses, along with National Parks Department Director Arthapol Jaranejchangsai and Institute of Defense Technology Director General Charit Umsamritthi signing the agreement.
Succhat stated that the government prioritizes natural resource protection alongside modern technology to improve state efficiency, particularly in forest management and wildfire prevention—critical tasks for resource security and public quality of life. "Combining defense technology and innovation with the experience of our forest rangers will make surveillance, monitoring, and response in protected forest areas more accurate and rapid while reducing risks and enhancing the safety of rangers working in remote areas," he said.
Arthapol noted the cooperation covers research, development, testing, and evaluation of forest and wildfire management technologies, including information systems and unmanned aerial vehicles for surveying, inspecting, tracking disasters, assessing damage, and supporting management decisions in remote areas to improve efficiency and reduce risks to rangers' lives.
General Charit said the Institute of Defense Technology has personnel, knowledge, and security technology innovations ready to support the National Parks Department through capacity building, training, technology transfer, and joint work standards to ensure concrete results.
The five-year partnership runs from September 11, 2026, to September 10, 2031, with both agencies establishing a joint task force to develop plans and projects aligned with relevant mandates and regulations, using technology as a key tool for "protecting forests, preventing wildfires, and ensuring staff safety" to sustain the nation's natural resources.
