At its first meeting for fiscal year 2025, Thailand’s National Space Policy Committee endorsed a draft Landing Rights Policy that would permit foreign satellite services to operate within the country. The initiative aims to regulate the growing demand from international satellite providers while ensuring open access and fair competition for users across Thailand.
Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chandraruangthong, the committee also approved a draft announcement establishing official criteria for evaluating foreign satellite operators. Both drafts, submitted by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society through the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, will be forwarded to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Officials emphasized that the proposed policy supports national priorities, including the broader application of satellite data in sectors such as agriculture, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. The shift is seen as part of Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure and integrate space-based technologies into its development agenda.
The committee additionally gave initial approval to a revised National Space Master Plan, which now incorporates feedback from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The updated plan sets out strategic objectives for public and private investment in space-related initiatives.
Alongside policy approvals, members reviewed current and upcoming projects in Thailand’s space sector. These include preparations to join the Artemis Accords on lunar exploration, continued collaboration with China on the International Lunar Research Station, and the formulation of a national plan for space traffic management. Progress updates were also shared in three focus areas: legal and regulatory development, international partnerships, and space infrastructure expansion.
