Thailand set to be first country to join Chinese and US-led space initiatives

The Thai government has announced it will join the US-led Artemis Accords, despite also working with China on the ILRS

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Thailand is set to become the first nation to join both the US-led Artemis Accords, a set of best practices for space exploration, and the Chinese-led ILRS, pictured, which aims to build a base on the moon. Photo: China National Space Administration

Published: 7:20pm, 1 Nov 2024Updated: 9:11pm, 1 Nov 2024

Thailand is poised to become the first country to take part in Chinese and US-led space exploration initiatives, despite the two powers being seen as rivals in a new space race.

After signing a memorandum of understanding with China in April to collaborate on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), the Thai government has now approved a move to join the US-led Artemis Accords, according to The Nation, a Bangkok-based newspaper.

Joining the accords will give Thailand access to advanced technologies from member countries and enhance its ability to compete globally in the space economy, Thailand’s higher education, science, research and innovation minister Supamas Isarabhakdi said, according to the outlet.

John Sheldon, a partner at Dubai-based space services and investment company AzurX, said that by taking part in both the ILRS and the Artemis Accords, Thailand had proved that these initiatives “are not mutually exclusive”.

“This is important for other countries that are already a part of either the Chinese or American initiatives, or are contemplating joining them for the first time,” he said. “It shows that they can be involved in both if their national interests align.”

Thailand’s space sector was relatively mature, with a focus on satellite communications and Earth observation, alongside a small but growing commercial space sector, said Sheldon, who also publishes the Middle East and Southeast Asia Space Monitor newsletters on Substack.

But now, with its involvement in both lunar initiatives, Thailand may shift its space priorities from mainly economic activities to increased scientific exploration. For example, a Thai instrument is set to launch aboard China’s Chang’e-7 mission in 2026 to measure solar storms and cosmic rays from lunar orbit.