On 7 – 9 November 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chukeat Noichim, Asst. Prof. Dr. Arachamon Pichetworakoon, and Dr. Suwijak Chandaphan, lecturers and researchers from the Academy of Telecommunications and Space Law for Development (ATSLD) at Mae Fah Luang University’s the School of Law, along with Acting Sub Lt. Napawat Suebnusorn, a project staff member from MFU Research and Innovation Institute and a Master of Laws graduate, were invited by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) or GISTRA to present research works and theses on space and telecommunications at the Thailand Space Week 2024, held at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.
In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chukeat Noichim, a Thai space law expert with a Ph.D. in Law from Leiden University’s International Institute of Air & Space Law in the Netherlands, presented a lecture on "Spaceport: the Gateway of Opportunities for Thailand" developed from his research project on “the Establishment of a Thai Spaceport: Legal Aspects and Feasibility” funded by the Science, Research and Innovation Fund 2023.
Dr. Noichim emphasised the importance of spaceports as key space infrastructure that drive the country's industrial and economic development. He posed a crucial question about Thailand's direction in either opening or closing this door of opportunity, as neighbouring countries like the Philippines are moving forward by implementing domestic space laws and declaring their intention to become a space power.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the book " Spaceport: the Gateway of Opportunities for Thailand," the first publication by the ATSLD, authored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chukeat Noichim. The book provided comprehensive knowledge about spaceports, including definitions, significance, components, models, establishment concepts, and relevant regulations at international, regional, and national levels, with comparative legal studies from leading space nations like Russia, China, and Australia.
Spaceports are considered vital infrastructure that serves as a 'connecting door' between Earth and space for exploration, utilisation, space tourism, and future human settlement. This book is an invaluable resource for students, interested individuals, and space practitioners in Thailand, providing information and concepts to advance the country's space development.
Thailand Space Week, an international event showcasing advancements in satellite and space infrastructure development, was organised by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in partnership with over 70 organisations, including the Cabinet Office of Japan, Ispace, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, PTT, Siemens, Thaicom, among others.
With a theme “Converging Technologies, Connecting People”, this year’s event attracted over 3,000 participants from 34 countries and 70 leading companies, showcasing the latest in space innovations. The event served as a vital platform for networking and knowledge exchange among experts, the space community, and global leaders, including representatives of CNSA (China), Kari (South Korea), Ostin (Singapore), Mysa (Malaysia), QZSS (Japan) and Philsa (Philippines).
