On August 25, 2025, Thailand took center stage in the world of exhibitions and technology, spotlighting not just its vibrant event industry but also the ingenuity of its homegrown innovators. Two major events unfolded: a cutting-edge drone demonstration at the Kamikaze Festival and a high-profile industry gathering led by Loy June How, president of the Thai Exhibition Association. Both gatherings showcased Thailand’s ambitions to become a regional powerhouse in technology, business, and tourism.
The Kamikaze Festival, held at the artillery range of the Artillery Center in Lopburi, was more than just a spectacle of flying machines. According to the Wassana Nanuam Facebook page, the Thai military—with representatives from all four branches—unveiled a series of domestically developed drones. These were not just any drones: the lineup included precision-guided bomb-dropping drones and kamikaze-style units designed to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy. The event, which drew a sizable crowd of enthusiasts and industry observers, was orchestrated by the Thai government and several related organizations, aiming to boost public understanding and excitement around drone technology.
General Manas Jandee, Chief of Staff at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, was on hand to observe the proceedings. The demonstration was the result of a joint research and development effort by personnel from three military institutions: the Air Force Academy, the Naval Research and Development Office, and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters. They were joined by The Kan Company and a team of professors from Kasetsart University, underscoring a unique partnership between the military, academia, and the private sector.
The goals were clear: to give military personnel the chance to research and develop their own drone systems, promote collaboration with educational and private sectors, and ultimately push toward sustainable self-reliance in defense technology. Two main types of attack drones were showcased—bomb-dropping models and kamikaze drones. The results, according to the organizers, were impressive. Drones developed by The Kan Company struck their targets with remarkable precision, while those from the Air Force Academy successfully simulated attacks on moving targets. The Naval Research and Development Office’s drones performed just as planned, with all teams vowing to use the test results to further refine and mass-produce these systems for real-world deployment.
The event wasn’t just about offense. There was also a live demonstration of anti-drone systems developed by Thai firms DRC Company and T-Net Company. These countermeasures operated smoothly, showcasing Thailand’s growing capability not just to deploy drones, but to defend against them as well. The overall mood was one of national pride, with many attendees and online commentators praising the Thai teams for their creativity and technical prowess. As one observer put it, “Thais are just as talented as anyone in the world. We’re adaptable and innovative.”
While drones buzzed overhead in Lopburi, a different kind of innovation was being discussed in the heart of Bangkok. The same day, Loy June How, president of the Thai Exhibition Association, hosted a major industry event focused on the future of exhibitions and tourism in Thailand. In an interview with Prachachat Business, Loy laid out a vision for the exhibition sector as a vital engine driving the Thai economy—especially as the world economy rebounds and Asia becomes a magnet for global investors.
“Thailand still holds a competitive edge,” Loy said, pointing to the country’s world-class venues, skilled organizers, and robust infrastructure. These strengths have helped Thailand become the exhibition hub of ASEAN, with steady growth projected for years to come. Loy cited expectations that, in 2026, the number of foreign exhibitors—especially from China—would rise by another 5-10%. At some events, Chinese companies already account for up to half of all exhibition space, a testament to growing cross-border collaboration and the appeal of the Thai market.
The association’s current leadership is steering the industry with three guiding principles: inclusivity (bringing together all players in the sector), responsiveness (adapting quickly to market changes), and forward-thinking (planning for the future and aiming for international standards). Two main platforms are driving this strategy. The first, a marketing platform, seeks to create opportunities both domestically and abroad, with a focus on both B2B and B2C activities. The second is a capability development platform, designed to help Thai businesses—especially SMEs—compete on the global stage by improving their skills and expertise.
Thailand now hosts more than 120 exhibitions annually, with 80-90% organized by the private sector. While global exhibition industry growth averages 2-6% per year, Thailand’s sector is growing at a healthy 2-3%, ranking it seventh in Asia for growth potential. The most promising sectors for exhibitions in Thailand include machinery and manufacturing (like the METALEX show), agriculture and livestock (VIPA), medical and biotech (Medical First), digital, logistics and aviation, and food and beverage (THAIFEX).
Chinese participation is particularly strong in B2B exhibitions related to heavy industry and export goods, with Chinese exhibitors making up 20-50% of participants depending on the event. Loy expects this share to grow further in 2026, fueled by China’s economic recovery, a desire to expand into ASEAN markets, and improved cooperation between Thai and Chinese organizers under various memoranda of understanding. Easier travel and logistics are also making it simpler for Chinese companies to participate.
Both the drone demonstration and the exhibition industry summit had a common thread: the drive for innovation, collaboration, and international engagement. The Kamikaze Festival’s drone showcase highlighted Thailand’s growing self-reliance in defense technology, while the exhibition industry event underscored the country’s ambitions to be a regional business and tourism hub. Organizers of the exhibition industry event also discussed plans to boost tourism revenue by 5-10% over the coming year, leveraging comprehensive service packages like All Inclusive and All Responsive to attract more international visitors and exhibitors.
As Thailand steps confidently into the future, both its military and business sectors are betting on homegrown talent, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to embrace new ideas. Whether it’s drones soaring through the sky or bustling exhibition halls filled with global entrepreneurs, the message is clear: Thailand is ready to compete—and win—on the world stage.
