Thailand Emerges as Key Transit Hub for Chinese Drones to Russia, Circumventing Western Sanctions

Global - Ekhbary News Agency

Thailand Emerges as Key Transit Hub for Chinese Drones to Russia, Circumventing Western Sanctions

In a significant development that underscores the persistent challenges in enforcing international sanctions, Thailand has reportedly become a crucial transit hub facilitating the flow of Chinese-manufactured drones to Russia. This intricate supply chain, detailed in a recent Bloomberg investigation, allows Moscow to bypass Western restrictions aimed at crippling its war machine following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

According to an analysis of comprehensive trade documents, Russia's imports of drones from Thailand surged dramatically in the first eleven months of 2025, reaching an estimated $125 million. This figure represents a staggering eightfold increase compared to the previous year and accounts for approximately 88% of Thailand's total drone exports during that period. The data further reveals a parallel trend: China shipped an impressive $186 million worth of drones to Thailand over the same timeframe, effectively making China the near-exclusive source for Thailand's drone imports. This pattern strongly suggests a deliberate strategy to reroute Chinese technology through a third country to obscure its ultimate destination.

The scale of this operation marks a stark contrast to pre-invasion levels. In 2022, the initial year of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, Thailand's drone exports amounted to less than $1 million, with no recorded shipments to Russia. The rapid escalation in trade volume through Thailand in just a few years points to a sophisticated and rapidly evolving network designed to circumvent international scrutiny and sanctions.

Central to this burgeoning trade route are several key intermediaries. One prominent entity identified is China Thai Corp., which alone imported $144 million worth of drones from China into Thailand during the first eleven months of 2025. This company's role in the supply chain has not gone unnoticed by international authorities; Britain sanctioned China Thai Corp. in October 2025 for its alleged involvement in supplying technology to the Russian military. In an apparent attempt to evade further scrutiny, the company is reportedly undergoing a name change to Lanto Global Logistics, a common tactic employed by entities seeking to obscure their past activities and connections.

Another significant player is Skyhub Technologies, which imported approximately $25 million worth of drone products in 2025. Among these shipments were hundreds of units of the EVO Max 4T model, manufactured by the Chinese firm Autel Robotics. While nominally classified as civilian drones, the EVO Max 4T possesses capabilities that render it highly adaptable for combat operations. Notably, this particular model has been actively promoted and utilized within Ukraine's "Army of Drones" program, championed by figures such as former Digital Transformation Minister and current Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, highlighting its dual-use nature and effectiveness on the battlefield.

When confronted with these findings, Autel Robotics denied any cooperation with the Russian military, asserting its compliance with international sanctions. The company further stated that its drones are equipped with a "no-fly geofencing system" designed to prevent flights in designated conflict zones. However, the effectiveness of such systems in preventing misuse by determined actors remains a subject of ongoing debate among experts and military analysts.

Experts in international sanctions and security policy view these developments with concern. Maria Shagina, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasized that the use of third-country intermediaries is a hallmark of sanctions evasion. "The countries may change but the methods do not: Rerouting via third countries using shell companies," Shagina explained, underscoring the adaptability of illicit supply networks. This strategy leverages the legitimate trade infrastructure of neutral nations to mask the true origin and destination of sensitive goods, making detection and interdiction exceedingly difficult for sanctioning bodies.

The surge in shipments through Southeast Asian nations like Thailand vividly illustrates the profound difficulty Western powers face in effectively restricting Russia’s access to critical dual-use technologies. These technologies, ranging from advanced electronics to unmanned aerial systems, are vital for sustaining Moscow’s military operations and circumventing the technological disadvantage that sanctions are intended to impose. The economic and diplomatic landscape further complicates these efforts, as Thailand and Russia have been actively deepening their economic, political, and cultural ties in recent years, potentially creating a more permissive environment for such transit activities.

Against this backdrop, Western officials have consistently voiced accusations that China is actively aiding Russia's war efforts, despite Beijing's repeated denials. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, speaking at the recent Munich Security Conference, articulated a strong stance, suggesting that China possesses the leverage to significantly impact the conflict. "China could call [President] Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow and cut off his dual-purpose technologies that they’re selling," Whitaker asserted. He further added, "China could stop buying Russian oil and gas. You know, this war is being completely enabled by China," highlighting the perceived centrality of China's economic and technological support to Russia's sustained aggression. While Beijing has reportedly offered humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as per Fox News, the scope and scale of this aid remain undisclosed, doing little to allay Western concerns about its broader stance on the conflict.

The sophisticated network now operating through Thailand represents just one facet of a broader global challenge. As geopolitical tensions intensify and technological advancements proliferate, the cat-and-mouse game between sanctioning authorities and those seeking to evade them is likely to become even more complex, demanding greater international cooperation and innovative enforcement mechanisms to uphold the integrity of global security frameworks.

Ekhbary News Agency