แนวทางการพัฒนาความร่วมมือในการผลิตอุปกรณ์ทางการทหารภายในประเทศสำหรับหน่วยทหารขนาดเล็ก

Abstract

The purpose of this research study on the Guidelines for Collaborative Development in the Domestic Production of Military Equipment for Small Military Units is to 1) Fixture out the needs and necessities of military equipment to enhance the efficiency of small military units or special forces 2) Explore the potential and challenges in technology and engineering in the production of military equipment in Thailand and 3) To examine the development plan for collaboration between the government and private sector in the production of military equipment within the country and lead into implementation. This research has been studied through qualitative methodology which involves in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview format with purposive sampling of 8 individual personnel from three sectors: direct military personnel, industry experts in design and production, and academic experts in specialized fields. The research revealed the following 1) Identification of the types of military equipment needed by small military units and deemed necessary for in-country production. Most of the identified equipment is essential and urgent for tasks or missions related to actual operations, where there is a shortage or insufficiency. Examples include night vision goggles, communication systems, etc. This also affects the equipment used for training in preparation for actual operations. 2) Assessment of the potential and challenges in the technological and engineering aspects of military equipment production in Thailand. Thailand possesses resources or raw materials that can be used in military equipment production through processing or transformation using technology. However, due to cost constraints and lack of government support, production quality tends to be compromised. Another significant challenge is the absence of standardized international equipment standards and 3) Examination of the level and directions of collaboration between the government and private sector in the production of military equipment within the country. The study found that the three main entities involved, namely security agencies, industries, and academic institutions, have a somewhat superficial relationship. Collaboration mostly occurs on specific occasions and is mainly related to public relations or civilian business-related activities. Additionally, limitations in communication and resource sharing exist due to differing goals among organizations and institutions.