The government is pushing forward a major transformation of the national security research system, uniting the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Ministry of Defense. The role shifts from "funding agency" to "co-developer," driving Thai technology toward practical application.
On 12 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmit Thongsaluyakorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is elevating the country's security research and innovation system through collaboration between MHESI and the Ministry of Defense to build "an innovation ecosystem for Thailand’s security." Within four years, the goal is to develop Thai technology for practical use, reduce reliance on foreign technology, and advance into high-tech industries, which will also drive the national economy. This cooperation integrates support from the Defense Science and Technology Department, the National Research Council of Thailand, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and the Office of the Science Promotion and Innovation Commission (OSIC) to work systematically. It connects government potential, universities, researchers, the private sector, and end-users to effectively develop technologies that meet the country's needs.
Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmit added that the key to this initiative is changing the research support model from a "granting agency" to a "co-developer." Through the Program Management Unit (PMU) mechanism, which collaborates with researchers from concept development, prototyping, testing, to delivering usable results, this reduces limitations of the old system and increases opportunities for research to meet user needs more effectively.
Furthermore, the government is promoting the development of dual-use technologies applicable to both civilian and security missions. This covers key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, sensor systems, cybersecurity, semiconductors, batteries, and next-generation communication technologies. Support will be provided to startups and Thai entrepreneurs to grow into advanced technology development. Plans include launching the Defense Grand Challenge to open opportunities for researchers, young innovators, and entrepreneurs to co-develop technologies that address security needs and push research into practical use.
At THAIDEF-EX 2026, innovations from Thai universities and research institutes will be exhibited, including drone detection and countermeasures, rescue robots, drones, border surveillance systems, lithium batteries for military vehicles, mobile power generation systems, and cybersecurity technologies. These showcase Thai researchers' capabilities to develop technologies that can be applied effectively.
"This collaboration will elevate the country's research and innovation system to better connect with real-world applications, offering opportunities for researchers, educational institutions, the private sector, and end-users to jointly develop technologies that meet national needs in security, industrial development, and creating economic value from Thai innovations," Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmit said.