Summary · why it matters
The National Space Policy Committee is accelerating the push for laws and a master plan to lay the foundation for driving Thailand's space economy over the long term. At its first meeting of 2026 on August 17, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn chaired the session, joined by representatives from key ministries and agencies. The meeting considered ways to upgrade Thailand's space affairs in the economic, security, and technology development dimensions. It focused on drafting a policy for considering permission for foreign satellites to provide services domestically, known as Landing Rights, alongside consumer protection, fair competition, and national security. It also laid out guidelines for managing satellite communication channel slots that the state receives from licensees authorized to use satellite orbital rights, to be used for public services and state benefit, supporting the growth of the digital economy and reducing inequality in access to services and opportunities for the public. In space affairs for security, priority will be given to space traffic monitoring and management to accommodate and prevent threats in the digital, cyber, and space domains. In space technology and applications, the committee will move forward with promoting research and development of Thailand's own Earth observation satellite systems, including studying the feasibility of establishing Thailand's first spaceport, or Thailand Spaceport, to reduce long-term dependence on foreign technology. At the same time, it will accelerate the use of Earth observation satellite data to support key national missions, including precision agriculture, disaster management, and assessment of PM2.5 air pollution situations, along with developing personnel to support the future space industry. The committee is also expediting the drafting of the Space Affairs Act and reviewing the draft National Space Master Plan 2023-2037 to lay the legal foundation and set long-term strategies, supporting the creation of economic value and revenue from the space industry while enhancing the country's competitiveness. The meeting also endorsed the Artemis project, a lunar exploration program of the United States operated by NASA, as an important space project for Thailand, which needs to be accelerated in line with the plans and timelines of the United States and international partners. It also acknowledged progress in Thailand's space affairs, covering policy and regulations, satellite technology, component manufacturing, space missions for security, space technology applications, personnel development, and cooperation with international organizations, as well as preparations to join the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, the feasibility study for establishing Thailand Spaceport, and the development of space traffic monitoring and management guidelines in line with international standards.
