4-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s venture into space exploration is poised to ascend to unprecedented heights following the Cabinet’s green light for collaboration with China, aimed at bolstering Thai capabilities to venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere through the joint development of a moon research station and astronauts.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rudklao Inthawong Suwankiri disclosed that the recent Cabinet session had endorsed two agreements to propel Thai exploration beyond Earth’s bounds.
She revealed that the Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in moon research stations between Thailand and China, as well as a draft MoU on cooperation in exploring and utilising outer space for peace between Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation and the China National Space Administration.
These agreements serve as the cornerstone for collaboration in constructing an international moon research station and venturing into outer space for peaceful purposes, including the moon and other celestial bodies, she elaborated.
Thailand stands to gain from knowledge transfer and the expansion of space exploration cooperation to cultivate expertise in advanced technology fields, apply space technology for societal and economic advancement in both nations, and bolster long-term Thai-Chinese space collaboration, she emphasised.
Moreover, this collaboration is poised to foster human resource development and propel the aerospace industry’s growth in Thailand.
Economists foresee the global space industry market reaching approximately US$3 trillion over the next two decades. Despite its seemingly remote nature, space technology plays an integral role in daily life, particularly in communication. Rudklao stressed the significance of collaboration and expertise from various sectors to leverage existing knowledge, capabilities, and infrastructure for optimal outcomes.
“This collaboration and exchange will contribute to human resource development, infrastructure, and an ecosystem for the sustainable advancement of space technology and the space economy in Thailand. It aims to foster satellite technology, advance scientific research, and cultivate a skilled Thai workforce for the future,” remarked the deputy spokeswoman.
