The Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) hosted the 4th EEC Sectoral Deep Dive Forum 2026 under the theme “Aviation: Co-Creating Thailand’s MRO Hub” on 20 July 2026. The forum served as a platform for in-depth discussions among government agencies, industry leaders, and aviation experts to explore strategies for advancing Thailand’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry and strengthening the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) as a regional aviation hub.
On this occasion, Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of EECO, delivered the opening remarks and keynote presentation on “U-Tapao: Opportunities for a New Aviation Hub.” The presentation highlighted the investment potential of the MRO industry at U-Tapao International Airport, a key development project within the EEC, as well as opportunities arising from Thailand’s strategic location, infrastructure development, and investment promotion measures.
The first panel discussion, “The Global MRO Opportunity & Thailand’s Moment to Act,” featured distinguished speakers including Mr. Bert Porteman – Airbus Chief Representative to Thailand; Mr. Rahul Shah – President/ GM-AAR Aircraft Component Services-Thailand; Mr. Chai Eamsiri – CEO of Thai Airways International PCL; and Mr. Natthapatr Sibunruang – CEO of MJets Limited. The session was moderated by Dr. Cholachit Vorawangso Virakul – Assistant Secretary General of EECO.
The discussion focused on global MRO market opportunities and the rapidly growing demand for aircraft maintenance services in the Asia-Pacific region. Panelists highlighted Thailand’s strategic advantages, including its geographical location, industrial base, infrastructure development, and investment-friendly environment, which position U-Tapao to become a leading MRO hub in the region. The session also underscored the importance of international partnerships, workforce development, and a phased approach to strengthening Thailand’s MRO capabilities in line with market demand.
The second panel discussion, “Building the Ecosystem: Blueprint, Standards & the Talent Pipeline,” brought together Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon – Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT); Mr. Pierre Jaffre – President of the Thai-European Business Association (TEBA); Mr. Chris de Lavigne – Partner of Deloitte SEA – Aerospace and Aviation Leader; Mr. Tatiya Meemeskul – President of Summit Lenso and President of TAMIA; and Dr. Tawan Thianthong – Special Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering of RMUTT. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Aphitchaya Srikacha – Executive Director of Service and Medical Industries Division of EECO.
Panelists exchanged insights on key strategies to strengthen Thailand’s aviation and MRO ecosystem and support its sustainable growth. Discussions highlighted the opportunity to leverage the capabilities of established automotive manufacturers and suppliers, enabling their transition into the aircraft manufacturing supply chain and expanding Thailand’s presence in high-value industries. The panel also underscored the importance of strengthening regulatory readiness, aligning with international standards, and developing a highly skilled workforce through close collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions. These collective efforts are expected to help build a robust domestic aviation industry across the entire supply chain and enhance Thailand’s long-term competitiveness in the global aerospace sector.
The forum underscored the importance of close collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and international partners in driving Thailand’s aviation and MRO ambitions. The insights and recommendations exchanged during the forum will contribute to strengthening the MRO ecosystem, enhancing workforce capabilities, and reinforcing the EEC’s role as a leading aviation and aerospace hub in the region.
