Bangkok:Yotsanun has partnered with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) to promote Thailand as a central hub for the Asia-Pacific space economy. This initiative will leverage the potential of the THEOS satellite and include plans to develop a spaceport, coinciding with the Space Ministers' Meeting scheduled for October 28-29.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), hosted Ms. Armida Salziah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary-General of UN-ESCAP, and her delegation at Government House. Their discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in space technology to support sustainable development, in anticipation of the 5th Ministerial Conference on the Application of Space Technology for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, which Thailand will co-host with UN-ESCAP in 2026.
The UN-ESCAP Executive Secretary expressed appreciation for Thailand's enduring support and leadership in promoting space technology cooperation projects within the Asia-Pacific region. This includes Thailand's provision of THEOS-1 and THEOS-2 satellite imagery to ESCAP member states dealing with disasters. The discussions also covered the application of space technology to tackle economic and social development challenges, such as disaster risk reduction, agriculture, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation.
Both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to develop the space economy ecosystem, focusing on satellite and component development, creating common supply chains among member countries, and sharing knowledge and technological capabilities. Additionally, they explored collaboration on major infrastructure projects, such as spaceports, to boost the region's long-term potential and competitiveness.
The partnership also seeks to expand cooperation between UN-ESCAP, MHESI, and Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) in fostering innovations from space technology. This includes human resource development and promoting youth involvement to sustainably advance the region's capabilities in science, technology, and innovation.
Finally, the UN-ESCAP Executive Secretary invited Professor Dr. Yoschanan to deliver a Special Address at the upcoming Ministerial Conference in 2026. He will present Thailand's vision for using science, technology, and innovation, particularly space technology, to foster regional economic, societal, and environmental development.