Thai Examiner
PM Anutin denies a plan for an American drone base to be set up in Thailand despite military’s US visit
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US drone factory reports collide with Bangkok’s denial as Thailand studies American UAV technology after a defence mission to the US. LUCAS, co-production and technology transfers are under review, while Anutin keeps trade and security apart.
Key facts
- US drone factory reports collide with Bangkok’s denial as Thailand studies American UAV technology after a defence mission to the US
- Anutin says US defence talks excluded trade issues as Cobra Gold exercise remains firmly on schedule
- Defence Ministry says no US drone factory approved as tariff negotiations remain on separate track
- US visit examined low-cost drone technology but produced no manufacturing commitment
- Thailand studies technology transfers and co-production to build long-term defence self-reliance
- Anutin keeps defence and tariff talks separate as Cobra Gold military cooperation continues normally
Summary
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has firmly denied reports of a planned US drone production base in Thailand as sensitive tariff talks continue with Washington. Yet the Defence Ministry confirms American unmanned technology is under detailed study after a Thai military delegation visited the United States. Officials examined low-cost systems including LUCAS, technology transfers, co-production and possible domestic manufacturing. No agreement or factory has been approved.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a drone production base in Thailand. He said he had received no report confirming such a project. He also rejected claims that Washington was using security cooperation as leverage in tariff negotiations.