Thailand Hosts Special Operations Dialogue 2025 (TSOD 2025) to Tackle Emerging Global Threats
In response to the growing complexity and diversity of global threats, Co-hosted by the US Department of Energy, JUSMAGTHAI SOF, and RTArF CTOC on April 21st in Phuket. The event served as a platform for military and energy officials from various countries to exchange insights on the evolving role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in today’s security landscape.
Participants discussed the urgent need for SOF to adapt and enhance their capabilities to meet both traditional and emerging threats. The discussions highlighted two main categories of concern: existing threats, such as violent extremism, cyberattacks, and nuclear smuggling; and new challenges, including the use of advanced drone technologies and maritime sovereignty disputes. Panelists emphasized that countering these threats requires an integrated approach, combining offensive and defensive strategies.
Another key topic was the increasing involvement of SOF in disaster response operations—both natural and man-made—which demand rapid and effective action.
International cooperation, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships were identified as crucial for enhancing SOF effectiveness. The forum concluded that capability development must align with advances in technology and modern warfare, with priority areas including real-time data analysis, counter-electronic warfare, cyber defense, AI integration, and the use of unmanned systems such as drones.
Finally, the event underscored the importance of joint development efforts through continuous dialogue, multinational training, and exercises with partners and allies to strengthen global resilience against shared security challenges.
Keynote speech on “Global Challenges toward the Adaptation of Special Operations Forces” by Deputy Chief of Defence for the Royal Thai Armed Forces General Paiboon Vorravanpreecha
U.S. Perspective by JUSMAGTHAI, “The Evolution of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the Challenges Facing the World today” by LTC Matthew Dobyns, JUSMAGTHAI Special Operations Forces, Director
