This blog is about the 2025 Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium, which took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 19 – 21 AUG 2025.
Global SOF’s inaugural Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium took place last August in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was our first foray into hosting a formal event in this part of the world–our other Symposiums to date were all took place on the east coast of the United States and in Europe.
We weren’t sure what it would be like, but it turned out to be a fantastic event with robust military and government attendance and participation from reps from across the region. Check out the 2024 recap video here.
With round one under our belts, the Global SOF team was looking forward to “take 2”… our first time hosting this event in theater, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Amazing Race
As with all Global SOF events, this Symposium is international. As our VP of Partner Relations said: “This feels like The Amazing Race” with all of our attendees taking different paths across the globe to converge on Bangkok.
From Thailand to Ukraine to Chile to Canada–we have official military and government representatives from 29 Nations registered to attend.
That alone makes this a gathering that is turning heads across the global Special Operations community. Against the vibrant backdrop of Bangkok, SOF professionals from near and far are converging with one purpose: to sharpen regional interoperability, close capability gaps, and forge durable partnerships across the Indo‑Pacific and beyond.
The event is taking place at The Athenee Hotel, a world class venue that provided us with excellent hospitality, and even before the week began it was buzzing with our Symposium attendees.
Many, including our Global SOF Staff, arrived early to beat the jetlag, begin preparations, and enjoy some Thai culture.
We had folks from our team visit the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market, attend Muay Thai fights, sightsee at The Grand Palace, and of course, enjoy some delicious Thai meals.
We were happy to see other attendees out doing the same–bonding over a shared meal or a cultural experience.
An Event With Purpose
This Symposium is the result of several years of planning and partnership between Global SOF and our Thai partners, including the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the Counter Terrorist Operations Center (CTOC), and the Defense Technology Institute (DTI).
The theme of this event is Developing a Military Industrial Base to Confront Special Operations in Irregular Warfare, but the meaning and impact goes well beyond that goal.
To that end, this event aims to unite the global defense industry in Thailand to identify synergies and opportunities for supporting operations in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, it also seeks to foster international military partnerships, collaboratively address common challenges, and enhance attendees’ understanding of regional capabilities and problems, which have a growing global impact.
We tackle this broad expanse of topics through diverse programming:
Educational sessions and panels: The topics on the agenda range from a remarks from Thailand’s Chief of Defence Forces to Technology in Special Forces to Supply Chain Importance…just to name a few!
Partner Nation requirement briefings: These aim to foster meaningful dialogue between SOF operational leaders and industry partners to advance regional security objectives through innovative partnerships. These briefs:
- Highlight capability gaps, operational requirements, and strategic priorities that industry partners can address through targeted investment and development;
- Explain how industry can help compress operational timelines through better understanding of SOF needs; and
- Articulate clear value propositions for industry engagement with your SOF community
Industry Capability Showcases: This event features 29 Industry Sponsors, including our Title Sponsor L3 Harris, 9 Champion Sponsors, and 19 Advocate Sponsors. They had the ability to share their capabilities with the community through their exhibition booths and briefings that were open to military and government attendees.
Hosted Delegate Program: One initiative that Global SOF is very proud of is our Hosted Delegate Program. This is an effort where we fund participation for SOF Representatives from Nations in the region so that they are able to join in and be part of the discourse.
This year, we hosted delegates from 9 countries, including:
- Fiji
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Marshall Islands
- Mongolia
- Maldives
- Malaysia
- Sri Lanka
Networking & Engagement Opportunities: Of course, networking is a huge part of this event! This is why we’ve built ample time into the schedule, from meal breaks to cultural performances. We’ve also implemented Global SOF’s CNECT program, an initiative to “connect” military and industry onsite at our events.
As one Australian Industry attendee said to an Australian Government attendee after their CNECT meeting: “I can’t believe of all places, we’re doing this meeting in Thailand!”
The Welcome Reception Day
The Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium kicked off on Tuesday, 19 August with a day that blended cultural immersion, professional networking, and behind-the-scenes energy—all against the vibrant, tropical backdrop of Bangkok.
While some attendees were still shaking off jet lag, our GSOF event team was already in motion—setting up the registration desk, prepping the exhibit space, and making sure every flag, table, and lanyard was in its place. After an impressively (if we do say so ourselves) productive setup day on Monday, we were lucky to have plenty of time to support our Sponsors and even participate in some of the cultural outings.
Those outings included some networking experiences that kicked off bright and early:
- At Riverdale Golf Club, a group of early risers teed off just after sunrise. The course offered lush Thai greenery, blazing sun, and a casual forum for connecting with counterparts from across the Indo-Pacific region. A few errant drives may have ended up in the rough, but the conversations? Basically a hole in one!
- Back in the city, another group dove into the culture—literally—on a Thai sightseeing tour hosted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces. From temples to Thai food, attendees explored Thailand’s rich history and culture while building bonds that go beyond bullet points.
By late afternoon, the pace shifted from casual to ceremonial. The VIP Pre-Reception, held poolside at The Athenee Hotel, brought together senior leaders, flag officers, and industry partners for an elegant hour of quiet conversation, cool drinks, and even cooler company.
But the highlight of the day? The Welcome Reception & Opening Ceremony. Held in a grand ballroom draped in Thai decor, guests were treated to an unforgettable display of cultural pride:
- Traditional Thai dancers and singers performed with grace and power, showcasing the region’s artistic depth.
- A Muay Thai exhibition rounded out the evening, complete with fierce strikes, ceremonial rituals, and a reminder that Thailand’s warrior spirit runs deep.
- And of course, the room was filled with global SOF professionals engaging in what they do best: building trust, trading ideas, and preparing for the hard conversations to come.
As the night wound down, the tone was clear: this week is about connection, cooperation, and regional readiness. And if Day One is any sign of what’s ahead, the Indo-Pacific SOF community is here to move the mission forward—together.
Check out the Photos and Kick Off Video from Day One!
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