The country's satellite segment is set for business liberalisation in 2020 to capitalise on the US$400 billion (12 trillion baht) space industry, with industry analysts saying there is strong potential in satellite internet broadband.
"By 2020, Thailand is ready to open the skies for satellite business," said Air Marshal Thanapant Raicharoen, deputy security-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC).
Satellite businesses have been operated under concession contracts for around three decades. The regulator plans to replace concessions with a licensing regime to liberalise the industry.
AM Thanapant said the NBTC will strike a balance in satellite policy between national security and fair competition.
The new licensing regime will open the door for new and existing players, allowing the use of foreign satellites that have a footprint in Thailand, he said.
By Dec 24, three drafts for satellite business are scheduled to be brought up to the NBTC board for consideration, said AM Thanapant. They consist of a master plan for the right of use for satellite orbital slots, rules of licensing to use slots, as well as rules for using satellites owned and operated by foreigners.
"Orbital slots will be rented out on a first-come, first-served basis," he said.
He was speaking at a seminar on the satellite business yesterday, organised by SM Magazine.
Anan Kaewruamwong, chief executive of Thaicom, the country's sole satellite operator, said satellite business in the next decade will be focused on satellite broadband internet service and CCTV footage services.
"The Chinese government can use satellite data for border control and security tasks," said Mr Anan.
Real-time data from space via satellites, air via unmanned automated vehicles (UAV) and ground via Internet of Things (IoT) can be integrated into "smart data", which can be useful for data analytics.
"We believe in the liberalisation of the business, but satellites also need to be properly regulated to ensure national security and boost productivity," he said.
Varayuth Yenbamroong, chief executive of Mu Space and Advanced Technology, a satellite service startup, said satellite tech can provide high bandwidth at lower cost, accommodating broadband communication and internet speeds that approach those of 5G networks.
Of the $400 billion generated from the space industry, 33% is from ground equipment and 29% is from TV broadcasting, said Mr Varayuth.
The space economy is expected to reach $1.75 trillion by 2040, 37% of which will come from internet services, followed by 19% from ground equipment and 9% from TV broadcasting.