Deputy PM Opens GISTDA Sriracha Base, Launches AI "Check Drought" System

MGR Online•Society•6d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand launches an AI and satellite-powered drought monitoring system to combat water crises, alongside advancements in its space program.

•Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Yoschunan visited Chonburi to oversee Thailand's space missions and inaugurate the 'Check Drought' platform.
•The 'Check Drought' system utilizes satellite data and AI to monitor drought conditions, assess agricultural damage, and predict water needs, especially during El Niño and dry spells in 2026.
•The visit also included tours of the THEOS-3 satellite assembly and testing center, highlighting Thailand's end-to-end space technology development capabilities.

Overview

•On May 7, Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Yoschunan visited Chonburi to follow up on Thailand's space missions.
•The 'Check Drought' platform was launched, designed to use satellite data and AI for drought monitoring.
•The 'Check Drought' system aims to address water crisis situations, including El Niño and dry spells anticipated in 2026.
•The delegation visited the National Satellite Assembly and Testing Center (NAIT) and observed the progress of the THEOS-3 satellite project.
•GISTDA's Director stated that within 3 years, Thailand aims to become a Data Driven Nation powered by spatial information.
•GISTDA plans to promote the Space Innovation Thailand policy and international cooperation to enhance Thailand's role in the global space economy.
•The visit also included a demonstration of various GI Platform applications for environmental management, smart cities, and disaster management.

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Key Quotes

GISTDA Director

"Within the next 3 years, we will move towards becoming a Data Driven Nation, using spatial data to drive the economy and society, while promoting the Space Innovation Thailand policy and international cooperation to elevate Thailand as a key player in the global space economy sustainably."

ภายใน 3 ปีข้างหน้า จะมุ่งสู่การเป็น Data Driven Nation โดยใช้ข้อมูลเชิงพื้นที่ขับเคลื่อนเศรษฐกิจและสังคม พร้อมผลักดันนโยบาย Space Innovation Thailand และความร่วมมือระดับนานาชาติ เพื่อยกระดับประเทศไทยสู่หนึ่งในผู้เล่นสำคัญของเศรษฐกิจอวกาศโลกอย่างยั่งยืน

Key Entities

Person

Prof. Dr. Yoschunan(ศ.ดร.ยศชนัน)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation who opened the GISTDA Sriracha base and launched the 'Check Drought' system.

Piyarat Chuthatip(ปิยะรัฐชย์ ติยะไพรัช)

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives who joined the visit to Chonburi.

Narit Niramaiwong(นริศ นิรามัยวงศ์)

Governor of Chonburi province who welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister and delegation.

Pakorn Aphaiwong(ปกรณ์ อาภาพันธุ์)

Director of GISTDA who provided an overview of the agency's work and future plans.

Phatrachanan Phongphad(ภัทรชนันท์ ผ่องผาด)

District Chief of Sriracha who was present to welcome the delegation.

Organization

GISTDAℹ️

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) responsible for Thailand's space technology and geospatial information.

NAIT

National Satellite Assembly and Testing Center, a key infrastructure for satellite testing standards in Thailand.

Place

Sriracha(ศรีราชา)ℹ️

District in Chonburi province where the GISTDA base and Space Krenovation Park are located.

Chonburi(ชลบุรี)ℹ️

Province in Thailand visited by the Deputy Prime Minister to oversee space missions.

Space Krenovation Park (SKP)

A facility within the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) in Sriracha, Chonburi.

Policy

Check Drought System(ระบบเช็คแล้ง)

A smart geospatial information platform using satellite data and AI to monitor drought conditions and predict water needs.

Technology

AIℹ️

Artificial Intelligence technology integrated into the 'Check Drought' system.

GI Platform

A suite of geospatial information applications demonstrated, including Disaster, Carbon Atlas, Dragonfly, SGi Farm, Life Dee, Digital Twin, and LandX.