Thailand approves space affairs law

Thailand approved the Space Affairs Bill on July 13, giving the country the opportunity to enter a future of space technology and exploration.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Anek Laothamatas, said the law would bring benefits to the country in a wide range of areas, both economic and social, as the foundation of the country's "new space economy".

He added that in Thailand, the aerospace industry operates thanks to investments from the government, Thai private companies and foreign companies.

He stated:

"This bill has been updated to support the future of Thailand.".

Because today's space technology is developing rapidly, numerous space-related activities have also taken place, exploited by government sectors, private agencies, universities, and even schools, with the cooperation of agencies both domestically and internationally

"The Space Affairs Law was therefore introduced as an important mechanism to promote cooperation in space technology and activities between Thailand and the international community, as well as to strengthen trust between countries at the international level."

The draft law on space affairs will be sent for review by the Council of State and Parliament before being implemented.

Following these statements, there was much criticism in Thailand, with many stating that due to the pandemic and the economic situation, they felt that, although it was an admirable future goal, there should be no focus on a Thai space program at the moment.

Anek Laothamatas responded to these concerns by stating that the budgets and orientation of his areas of responsibility have nothing to do with Covid-19 and were put in place well before the pandemic.

See also:

Thailand to go into space in 2023-2027

Thailand aims to become the hub of the space industry in Asia-Pacific

Thailand to launch first mission to the moon

Thailand's proposed space program under fire

Source: The Pattaya News