Updated 9 June 2024

Defense & Security 2023

Defense & Security is a tri-service military exhibition, and it is Thailand’s largest such event. It was held in the capital Bangkok from 6-9 November last year, and this was the first time King Arthur’s Writes had attended since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Unfortunately, there was no dramatic dynamic demonstration as an opening gambit for the show, as there has been on previous occasions, nor were there any live demonstrations during the event.

That means the exhibits were confined to static examples within the Impact Exhibition Centre near Don Muang Airport in Bangkok. A wide range of international exhibitors were there, with China having a particularly strong presence. Thailand, since its military coup, has drawn closer to China and has been buying all manner of equipment from Beijing. Other countries with a significant presence were India, Israel, Turkey, the USA and, of course, a number of major European players.

Defense & Security 2023 also offered a chance to see what Thai companies and military research and development agencies are currently working on. There is a lot of artillery development and acquisitions, especially in conjunction with Elbit Systems of Israel, such as truck-mounted 120mm mortars and 155mm truck-mounted howitzers. Meanwhile, local firm Chaiseri continues to invest in new wheeled armoured vehicles for the Thai armed forces and for export, and it had its new slab-like 8x8 armoured personnel carrier on public display for the first time. Another interesting Thai company is ATIL, which is working on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Although they did not admit it, its secretive backing partner is Norinco, after the latter took over Beihang in China. It had several UAVs on show in Bangkok.