Thailand has emerged as a critical transit point for dual-use goods including drones moving from China to Russia, with trade volumes skyrocketing as Western sanctions force Moscow to seek new supply routes. Data reveals that Russia imported drones worth $125 million from Thailand during the first eleven months of 2025, representing 88% of Thailand’s total drone exports and an eightfold increase from the previous year. Almost all these drones were originally purchased from China before being re-exported through the Southeast Asian kingdom.
Thailand’s Drone Trade Skyrockets
The dramatic surge in Thailand’s drone exports to Russia follows a pattern of shifting sanction evasion routes. In 2022, Thailand exported less than $1 million worth of drones globally. By contrast, the $125 million in shipments to Russia during most of 2025 signals a fundamental change in trade flows. Chinese companies first export drones to Thailand, where they are then redirected to Russian entities. This method allows Beijing to maintain public neutrality while sustaining Moscow’s military capabilities.
Sanctioned Companies Facilitate Transfers
Two companies have played pivotal roles in this trade. China Thai imported drones worth $144 million into Thailand during the first eleven months of 2025, leading to British sanctions in October 2025 for supplying technology to Russian military forces. Skyhub Technologies, the second-largest importer, purchased $25 million worth of drones from Chinese manufacturer Autel Robotics in 2025. Most drones imported into Thailand are subsequently re-exported to Russia, providing critical intelligence and strike capabilities for the war in Ukraine.
Regional Shift in Sanction Evasion Routes
Southeast Asia has become an essential channel for circumventing restrictions after Western governments identified and acted against previous routes through the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan. According to US State Department assessments, China supplies approximately 80% of the dual-use components Russia uses in its war against Ukraine. The Thai transit route demonstrates Moscow’s adaptability to sanctions pressure and Beijing’s development of indirect supply schemes to avoid formal accusations of military support.
Western Responses and Sanction Measures
The United Kingdom has already imposed sanctions on China Thai, while the United States and European Union face calls to implement systemic secondary sanctions against companies and financial institutions facilitating shipments of restricted goods to Russia. Such measures would target not only direct supplies but also the logistical, insurance, and banking services enabling these operations. Without credible threats to intermediaries, sanction evasion networks will continue functioning through new regional hubs.
Technological Dependence and War Implications
Chinese technologies, particularly drone components and communication systems, are regularly used on Ukrainian battlefields. First-person-view drones enabling real-time reconnaissance and precision strikes have become essential tools in modern warfare. Without access to these technologies, Russian forces would struggle to maintain current combat intensity. Beijing’s economic and technological leverage over Moscow creates an asymmetric relationship where Russia remains dependent on Chinese decisions regarding component flows and financial channels.
