Thailand Statistics
Market Entry Current Market Trends Current Demand Main Competitors Best Prospects
Subsector Focus: Helicopters Barriers Trade Events/Associations CS Contact
Capital: Bangkok Population: 67.44 million GDP USD: USD 366 billion Currency: Thai Baht Language: Thai
Market Entry Opportunity for the sale of aviation and airport and ground support equipment in Thailand is high for American companies, since U.S. aviation technology is well received by Thai buyers. Thailand relies on imported aerospace and defense products and is a net-importer of aviation equipment, including aircraft, parts, maintenance services, and airport/ground support equipment. Current Market Trends It is expected that the Thai aviation business will continue to grow as a result of an increase in flights and new destinations in order to cope with domestic and international passenger demands, supported by ongoing ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration, and the impact of air transport liberalization on airline competition and air passenger traffic. These will eventually spur greater regional air transport. Current Demand The current product demand includes aircraft and parts, communication equipment, avionics, associated parts used in maintaining and servicing aircraft, airport and ground support equipment, safety and security equipment and services, passengers and baggage screening machines, ground support vehicles, and air-field lightings. Moreover, there are ongoing expansions of existing airports including the second and third phase expansions of the Suvarnabhumi Airport. A satellite terminal building at the Suvarnabhumi will also be constructed by 2017. Competitors The Thai aviation industry attracts equipment manufacturers from all over the world. The main suppliers come from the United States, Europe, and Singapore. The United States has been one of the largest suppliers of aviation equipment to Thailand. In recent years, European countries such as France and Sweden have become more prominent and competitive aerospace equipment suppliers to Thailand. Best Prospects Aircraft, communication equipment, avionics, and associated parts used in maintaining and servicing aircraft. Airport and ground support equipment including safety and security equipment and services, passengers and baggage screening machines, ground support vehicles, air-field lightings, etc. Composite aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, (UAV) and associated payloads, equipment and parts. Subsector Focus: Helicopters Helicopters are mostly used in Thailand in the Thai military (particularly Army and Navy) and the Thai police, with some commercial uses in oil and gas industry for offshore crews and supplies transportation. Helicopters market in Thailand had been dominated by Bell helicopter series given long history of Thailand-U.S. military cooperation and transfers of UH-1H helicopters. At present, competition in the Thai helicopter market has intensified. Well-known manufacturers actively competing in the Thai market include Bell Textron, Sikorsky, Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter), EADS North America, AgustaWestland, and Alstom. Nonetheless, market demand for new helicopters is inconsistent depending on replacement needs, while opportunities for parts and repair services remain relatively high. Barriers Thai buyers are price-conscious, given that the major buyers are mostly government-owned agencies with a limited budget. International bidding competition is common practice for the Thai civil aviation industry. For procurement of replacement parts and supplies, Thai buyers prefer placing orders directly with manufacturers/suppliers. Trade Events/Associations Defense and Security 2015 Bangkok, Thailand http://www.asiandefense.com/ Defense & Security is one of the fastest growing military exhibitions in the region. The show is based on four unique concepts: Exhibiting, Technical and Special Seminars/Presentations, Live Demonstrations and Networking. This event is an excellent business networking venue to mingle with international military officers and delegations, especially from ASEAN countries. U.S. Commercial Service Contact Information: Mr. Kitisorn Sookpradist Commercial Specialist ksookpra@trade.gov +662-205-5090
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