The House’s telecommunications, digital economy and society (DES) committee met the French Ambassador to Thailand, Thierry Mathou to discuss the prospect of ramping up Franco-Thai cooperation in space technology.
DES committee vice president, Settapong Malisuwan, said yesterday the discussion, which took place last week, was followed by talks about launching a France-Thailand Year of Innovation 2023.
Col Settapong said he asked the ambassador to consider subsidising two space-related projects being run by the DES committee and in which outside help is being sought.
The first, he said, is construction of a space technology laboratory at Wiang Pa Pao Technical College in Chiang Rai.
The other is the ongoing development of CubeSat, a small research satellite, by the Excellence Center for Space Technology and Research (ECSTAR) under King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Col Settapong said.
“Both projects are sponsored by the House committee, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) and private sector. Support from the French government would make a huge difference to the region’s space industry,” he said.
The ambassador said that France’s defence ministry recently founded the French Air and Space Force (AAE) which is responsible for space affairs. It also has the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) to mobilise research concerning space science.
Col Settapong said Mr Mathou had emphasised the importance of space science.
He said it would improve the aviation industry and provide both military and civil benefits, including inspiring new start-up companies to push the country’s economy.
In return, the French ambassador suggested exchange programmes for students and researchers to study in Toulouse, which is a leading city in the space and aeronautical sector, said Col Settapong.