Thailand Junta Government Mulls Plan to Build It’s Own Satellites

BANGKOK – Thailand is considering a plan to build its own satellites to enable the country to pursue its earth exploration and research ambitions.

Thailand’s Minister of Science and Technology Suvit Maesincee attended a meeting on December 27 with executives of all related offices under the ministry’s supervision, during which he provided an update on the issues discussed at this week’s Cabinet Retreat in Sukhothai province.

Suvit said that the Cabinet touched on a mission to implement all government initiatives under the Pracharat policy to inspire children and the country’s youth to become more interested in science and technology while helping find capable individuals to prepare Thailand for the 21st century.

The minister added that the government is particularly keen on pursuing a Big Bang plan, which is a small satellite project for domestic use, comprised of a 100-kilogram satellite for Earth exploration and a research satellite that would weigh between 50 kilograms and 100 kilograms.

Suvit said that the budgets for the two units are estimated at 400 million THB and 375 million THB, respectively.

He went on to say that the government has also been considering the setting up of a National Innovation Bio-Bank to accommodate the integration of three targeted industries: herbal medicine, future medical technology and an industry for the elderly.