Opening of Defense and Security Thailand 2017 in Bangkok.

Today, November 6, 2017, opening of Defense and Security 2017 exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, a biennale event for the international defense and security industry in the Asian region. More than 400 manufacturers from 50 countries presents state-of-the-art technologies and innovations of military and security products.

Thai and foreign military delegations at the opening ceremony of Defense and Security Thailand 2017 Exhibition in Bangkok.

This event has now become one of the largest tri-service military exhibitions in Asia and the 2017 show will be 25% bigger than the previous edition. It will also be attended by more 30 delegations led by Ministers of Defense, Chiefs of Armed and Navy Forces from all over the world and especially from the Asean regions.

There is a large presence of International companies as Lockheed Martin, Nexter, Ukroboronprom,Leonardo, Beretta, Thales, Aselsan, Rosoboronexport, ST Kinetics, RAFAEL, IMI, UKRSPECEXPORT, FN Herstal, Arsenal 2000, NORINCO, MBDA, DIEHL, Trijicon, FNSS, YUGOIMPORT, SAAB, Rheinmetall and many others. There is also 25 National Pavilions including Belarus, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, USA and Thailand.

The event showcases weapons systems including missiles, tanks, missiles, combat vehicles, marine vessels, satellites, telecom & electronic defense equipment. There is also many equipment of Internal security technology and related hardware from security designer and manufacturers of security products such as individual weapons, bulletproof vests, body armor, jammers, CCTV, intruder alarms, access control, electronic security devices and more.

The Thai government has proposed a 2017 defense budget of $US6 billion, an increase for defense budget of 3.8% compared to the fiscal year 2016. According to new documents published by the Thai government the defense budget could reach 7.7% of total government spending in the year.

According to the Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Defense Minister, General Udomdej Sitabutr, noted that the increase in Ministry of Defense funding is required for Thailand’s military to increase competiveness and efficiency of the Royal Armed Forces. The money will be used to buy new weaponry and upgrade existing equipment.

General Prawit Wongsuwan Minister of Defence of Thailand at Defense and Security Thailand 2017 exhibition. (November 6, 2017)