ส.อ.ท. เปิดตัว “กลุ่มอุตสาหกรรมการบินและอวกาศ” เดินหน้าพัฒนา “Aerospace Valley” ต้นแบบเศรษฐกิจมูลค่าสูงFTI Launches “Aerospace Industry Group” to Advance “Aerospace Valley” as a High-Value Economic Model

On July 24, 2025, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) held a press conference to inaugurate the “Aerospace Industry Group,” or Aerospace Industry Club, the 47th industrial group under the FTI, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of the model special economic zone “Aerospace Valley” to propel Thailand into becoming a hub for the aerospace industry in the region at the Ballroom 2, Conrad Bangkok Hotel.

The event was graced by Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, President of FTI, who spoke about the aerospace industry as a new opportunity for Thailand towards a high-value economy, while Dr. Anukul Tamprasert, President of the Aerospace Industry Group of FTI, highlighted the origins and significance of the aerospace industry.

The Aerospace Industry Group is the 47th industrial group under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and was established to serve as a knowledge hub in various fields both within and outside the country, including aircraft design, demand for various types, aviation technology, and the management of Airspace Integration, aimed at ensuring safe and efficient airspace usage aligned with modern aviation standards.

Currently, Thailand is starting to prepare to officially offer these services within the next 3–5 years, which will reform the utilization of Thailand's airspace through the integration of intelligent aviation innovations and the development of an Aeropolis, aligning with modern city models and urban planning to create infrastructure that seamlessly connects air, land, rail, and water transport systems.

Additionally, it aims to foster a group of operators utilizing advanced technology, from design, production, communication, telecommunications, satellite, information systems, digital, AI, Big Data, to the use of Open Source Software, to develop products and services accessible to the public efficiently, covering all areas, and at cost-effective levels.

This development also seeks to connect operators to a supportive industry cluster, developing diverse Use Cases using case studies from abroad as models to prepare for future disruptions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the joint development of talent both in quality and quantity to support new business models and startups that will drive Thailand's economy and society sustainably.

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chuanaprayoon, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), stated that the CAAT has a vision to lead in regulating safety and civil aviation standards at the international level to drive the country’s aviation industry towards sustainable and efficient growth, linking Thailand to the global community safely and securely. Its main mission includes overseeing and promoting civil aviation to comply with international standards, building confidence in flight safety and security, as well as modernizing the civil aviation system to respond to global changes for the utmost benefit of the nation and its people.

Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the aerospace industry represents an important new opportunity for Thailand to transition into a high-value economy, as the aviation industry is one of the main mechanisms driving the global economy. The global aerospace and aviation market is expected to reach USD 1.08 trillion by 2028, with the Asia-Pacific region, including Thailand, anticipated to have the fastest growth and likely to become the largest aviation market in the world by 2040, resulting in an increased demand for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and aviation personnel.

To seize this opportunity, the Federation of Thai Industries has established the Aerospace Industry Group in alignment with the “4 GO” policy (GO Digital & AI, GO Innovation, GO Global, GO Green). GO Digital & AI incorporates artificial intelligence and digital systems in engineering design, air traffic control, and predictive maintenance. GO Innovation promotes research and development of advanced aviation technologies. GO Global connects networks to the international level, and GO Green focuses on developing and utilizing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%.

Moreover, cooperation under the MOU for the “Aerospace Valley” project serves as a model for developing a specialized economic area in aviation and aerospace technology, elevating Thailand's potential to firmly become an Aviation & Aerospace Hub in the region and on the global stage.

“This opportunity will be a significant step forward in driving the Thai economy to transition to S-Curve and New S-Curve industries focusing on high value creation through technology and innovation while being mindful of environmental concerns for sustainable growth,” Mr. Kriangkrai concluded.

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Released by the Corporate Communications Department of the Federation of Thai Industries, Tel. 02-345-1051