Thailand has taken a significant step towards enhancing its defense capabilities with the recent approval of a new Defence Science and Technology Department (DSTD). This initiative, reported by local media, emerged from a meeting of the Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council in Bangkok, indicating a strategic shift in the nation’s approach to military research and technology.
The DSTD will operate under the aegis of the Thai Ministry of Defence, with a mission to realign research efforts with national security needs and foster greater self-reliance in defense solutions. This newly established body aims to streamline military research across various government agencies and academic institutions, thereby minimizing redundancy and increasing operational efficiency.
The department’s ambitious agenda encompasses both foundational research and the advancement of dual-use technologies, which can serve both civilian and military purposes. To facilitate its objectives, the DSTD will leverage the existing personnel, testing facilities, and technical infrastructure provided by the Ministry of Defence.
One of the primary goals of the DSTD is to significantly reduce Thailand’s current dependency on imported defense technology and armaments, which currently stands at an overwhelming 98 percent. By focusing on domestic innovation, the government aims to bolster the country’s self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing and research.
Supachai Pathumnakul, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, outlined a comprehensive strategy for the DSTD aimed at better integrating education and research with Thailand’s long-term national objectives. The action plan will prioritize workforce training, practical technology development, and enhanced support for small businesses and startups engaged in innovative solutions.
Importantly, the DSTD is intended to create a direct link between the scientific community and the armed forces. This connection will ensure that new research initiatives align with and support the security priorities of the country.
Additionally, officials have proposed the establishment of a Defence and Military Energy Industry Center, which would continue fostering military innovation once the DSTD achieves the requisite program management capabilities. This center would play a crucial role in sustaining defense research in accordance with the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Act of 2019, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering national development through a coherent research and innovation policy.
