China’s drone exports to Russia use a new route through ThailandExplosions are seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 8, 2025. In the same period, China shipped $186 million of drones to the southeast Asian nation, accounting for almost all drone exports to Thailand. In 2022, Thailand exported less than $1 million of drones, with none going to Russia, the government trade data shows. Exports of Chinese drones from Thailand are within the legal framework, Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of Thailand’s Customs Department, said in an interview. Another company based on Bangkok’s outskirts, China Thai Corp, appears to be playing an even bigger role in the drone trade.

Source: Bangkok Post February 20, 2026 11:48 UTC