Thailand and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation to develop Thailand’s national space industry, with plans centred on a domestic spaceport in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and a national satellite constellation. The partnership between the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) aims to shift Thailand from a user of space technology to a producer within the global supply chain. The initiative is expected to attract investment, create high-skilled jobs, and enhance sectors such as agriculture, logistics and disaster management.
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The collaboration was formalised during the JAPAN THAILAND SPACE INDUSTRY FORUM held on 16–17 March 2026 in Bangkok, organised by the Embassy of Japan. The event brought together public and private stakeholders to advance a commercial space strategy, focusing on building a “Spaceport” and a “Thailand Earth Observation Satellite Constellation”. Discussions included satellite technology and assessments of Thailand’s infrastructure readiness.
On 17 March, Thai and Japanese delegations surveyed potential spaceport sites in the EEC, including U-Tapao International Airport and coastal areas in Sattahip, Chonburi. These locations are being evaluated for facilities capable of both horizontal and vertical launches. The delegation also visited Space Krenovation Park in Si Racha, inspecting the National Assembly Integrated and Test Centre (NAIT) and the Space Technology Research Centre (S-TREC), key centres for satellite development and aerospace research.
Dr Pakorn Apaphant, executive director of GISTDA, said the partnership builds on earlier discussions with the Japanese Ambassador and marks a turning point for Thailand’s ambitions. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone proving that Thailand is no longer merely a user of space technology,” he said. “We are ascending to become a key player in the global space supply chain, supported by a formidable partner like Japan.”
The forum is expected to lead to a formal Memorandum of Cooperation between Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), via GISTDA, and Japan’s METI. The initiative aligns with Thailand’s New S-Curve economic strategy, aiming to integrate satellite data into traditional industries while strengthening digital security and innovation capacity.
The Nation reported that GISTDA will host the Thailand Space Expo 2026 from 28 to 31 October at ICONSIAM in Bangkok. The event will feature international exhibitions, the Global Moon Village Workshop & Symposium, and the 32nd Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF). Organisers expect the expo to expand on last year’s attendance of more than 7,000 visitors and provide opportunities for collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange.
Pictures courtesy of The Nation
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 19 Mar 2026