US invites Thailand to join its new satellite research

BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) – The United States invites Thailand to join its research on THEIA satellites. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon insists that they are not military satellites and the government has not accepted the invitation. Gen Prawit, also as the defence minister, said that the Defence Council was considering a replacement for its use of a Thaicom satellite that would expire in 2021 and concerned officials were studying the invitation which the US also sent to many other countries. “The US wants Thailand to take part in the research and be a member but Thailand has not accepted the invitation. The US considers Thailand as a location worth investment. Japan and Korea sought to join it but the US does not accept their approaches. If we are not in, it will go to other countries,” Gen Prawit said. He dismissed the allegation that the participation would cost the state 90 billion baht. He said if Thailand joined the project, the private sector would be invited to the project. He explained that a satellite under the project could be applied to monitor border areas. He admitted that the Defence Technology Institute signed a letter of intent related to the project but he said the signing meant only that the institute would represent Thailand if Thailand agreed to participate. (TNA)