DEFENCE Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen said a key lesson learnt from the Thai-Cambodian conflict is that “money can’t buy weapons” and even if they are available an additional 30% surcharge is added and for this reason the country should produce what is essential for survival, PPTVHD36 said today (Aug. 18).
In opening the Thailand Security Dialogue 2026 seminar under the theme “National Defence and Security in an Era of Uncertainty” he emphasised that the modern world is not measured by the size of the army, but by who can adapt quickly, have strong systems, and build greater public trust.
Today’s threats are not limited to the military but include cyber, information, AI, drones, attacks on infrastructure and energy, pandemics, and natural disasters.
Also included are technological and economic competition, requiring preparedness for multi-dimensional warfare.
He stressed that true preparedness is not about having everything, but about being able to work together during crises. He identified five key factors for victory: “people, information, technology, cooperation, and trust.”
Where the defence industry is concerned, as seen during the Thai-Cambodian conflict weapons were either unavailable or if so, prices were 30% higher, therefore while Thailand need not produce everything itself it should produce what is essential for survival, especially AI drones, disaster prevention equipment, and disaster management technology.
Lt. Gen. Adul emphasised that for every procurement Thailand should ask what the country would gain in return.
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Top and Front Page: Thai soldiers at the Thai-Cambodian border. Photos – PPTVHD36
Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen giving his speech at Thailand Security Dialogue 2026 seminar. Photo – PPTVHD36
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