Russia has been using Thailand as a transit point to obtain Chinese-made drones and related components, according to a report citing trade data and industry sources, in what appears to be an effort to sidestep Western sanctions.

The investigation alleges that companies linked to Russian buyers have arranged shipments of commercially available drones and spare parts through Thai intermediaries before onward transfer to Russia.

Customs records and trade flows examined in the report indicate a rise in exports of drone-related equipment to Thailand followed by corresponding increases in shipments from Thailand to Russia.

The drones in question are described as dual-use technologies that can be deployed for both civilian and military purposes.

Since the imposition of expanded export controls targeting Russia’s access to advanced technology, authorities in the United States and Europe have tightened restrictions on components that could be repurposed for battlefield use.

Thai officials have previously stated that the country complies with international trade laws and monitors export activity in accordance with domestic regulations.

There has been no public confirmation from Bangkok of any deliberate facilitation of sanctions evasion.

The Thai government has emphasised its role as a regional logistics hub and has maintained that it enforces customs procedures under existing legal frameworks.

China has consistently rejected accusations that it supplies weapons to Russia, while acknowledging that normal commercial trade continues.

Moscow, for its part, has sought alternative supply routes as access to Western technology has narrowed.

Sanctions experts say that intermediary trading hubs can become conduits for sensitive goods when enforcement gaps exist, particularly in sectors involving commercially available electronics.

Governments in several regions have increased scrutiny of re-export patterns to identify possible circumvention schemes.

The report adds to mounting international attention on supply chains supporting Russia’s military procurement, as Western governments continue efforts to restrict access to technologies deemed critical to the conflict in Ukraine.