Market Report, "Thailand Defence & Security Report Q2 2011", published

May 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Thai Democrat Party MP Panich Vikitsreth's arrest by Cambodian authorities for illegal entry into Cambodian territory has reignited bilateral tensions between the two countries. Border disputes in recent years serve as a clear reminder that territorial issues remain a key threat to foreign policy. Judging from the stance taken by the two countries in the recent Preah Vihear border dispute, we do not expect the latest incident to escalate into a conflict. However, failure to achieve a long-term resolution on border disputes between the two countries is expected to continue to threaten bilateral relations in the coming years.

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Full Report Details at
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Back in July 2010, we highlighted our concerns over delays in removing the emergency rule in Thailand, which risks triggering growing public dissent against the government. We also argued that government efforts to re-establish dialogue with members of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) party (also known as the 'Red Shirts') would be crucial for reconciling interests between the divided political parties.

We believe the growing popularity of the Democrat Party and the improving political situation in Thailand can largely be attributed to the government's aggressive and concerted efforts towards stabilising political tensions in recent months. Repeated promises by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to gradually remove the emergency rule and to allow for the dissolution of the House of Representatives have so far managed to calm tensions in the opposition camp. Thus, if the government can maintain its control of the political situation in Thailand, we would expect an election victory by the Democrat coalition in 2011.

Although the arms procurement process remains opaque, inefficient and potentially vulnerable to delays as a result of economic or political issues, the Royal Thai Air Force remains on track to upgrade its fleet of fighters through the purchase of 12 Saab Gripens from Sweden. In November 2010, the RTAF signed an agreement with the FMV - the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, which is handling the deal, confirming its purchase of the second group of six Gripens.

Net exports were a significant drag on Thailand's real GDP growth of 6.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q310. Although a surprise trade deficit in July was a key reason behind the slowdown, we note that the latest trade figures for October suggest that net exports could rebound in Q410. Going into 2011, we continue to expect relatively subdued real GDP growth of 3.6% compared to an expected 7.5% in 2010 due to expectations of a slowdown in external demand.

Report Table of Contents:

SWOT Analysis
- Thailand Security SWOT
- Thailand Defence Industry SWOT
- Thailand Political SWOT
- Thailand Economic SWOT
- Thailand Business Environment SWOT
Global Political Outlook
- The United States
- China
- Japan And The Koreas
- Russia
- Europe
- India
- Brazil
- Turkey
- Iran
- Egypt, Saudi Arabia And Pakistan
- Terrorism
- Africa
- Space
- Competition
- Wild Card In Global Politics
- Conclusion
South East Asia Security Overview
- The Strategic Outlook For The 2010s
- South East Asia In A Global Context
- Challenges And Threats To Stability And Security
- The Outlook For South East Asia
Security Risk Ratings
- BMI's Security Ratings
- Table: Asia Pacific Regional Security Ratings
- Table: Asia Pacific State Vulnerability To Terrorism Index
- Thailand's Security Risk
- City Terrorism Rating
- Table: BMI's Asia City Terrorism Index
Political Overview
- Domestic Politics
- Foreign Policy
- Long-Term Political Outlook
Security Overview
- Internal Security Situation
- Southern Thai Muslim Insurgency
- Table: Thai Muslim Insurgents
- BRN-K
- GMIP/PULO
- Bilateral And Multilateral Security Relations
- Drugs Trade
Armed Forces And Government Spending
- Armed Forces
- International Deployments
- Weapons Of Mass Destruction
Market Overview
- Arms Trade Overview
- Procurement Trends And Developments
- Competitive Landscape
- Table: Thailand's Military Key Players
Industry Forecast Scenario
- Table: Thailand's Armed Forces, 2008-2008 ('000 personnel unless otherwise stated)
- Table: Thailand's Available Manpower For Military Services, 2008-2015 (aged 16-49, unless otherwise stated)
- Defence Expenditure
- Table: Thailand's Government Defence Expenditure; 2008-2015
- Table: Thailand's Defence Expenditure And % Of GDP, 2008-2015 (US$mn)
- Defence Trade
- Table: Thailand's Defence Exports, 2008-2015 (US$mn)
- Table: Thailand's Defence Imports, 2008-2015 (US$mn)
- Table: Thailand's Defence Trade Balance, 2008-2015 (US$mn)
- Macroeconomic Outlook
- Table: Thailand - Economic Activity, 2008-2015
- Free Trade Agreements
Company Profiles
- Loxley
- Minebea
- Thai-Italian Interarms Company
Country Snapshot: Thailand Demographic Data
- Section 1: Population
- Table: Demographic Indicators, 2005-2030
- Table: Rural/Urban Breakdown, 2005-2030
- Section 2: Education And Healthcare
- Table: Education, 2002-2005
- Table: Vital Statistics, 2005-2030
- Section 3: Labour Market And Spending Power
- Table: Employment Indicators, 2001-2006
- Table: Consumer Expenditure, 2000-2012 (US$)
- Table: Average Annual Non-Agricultural Wages, 2001-2012
BMI Methodology
- How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts
- Defence Industry
- City Terrorism Rating
- Table: Methodology
- Sources

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Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.