Thailand has become the 51st nation to join the Artemis Accords, marking a commitment to safe and responsible space exploration. The signing ceremony took place in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, on Monday.
“Thailand’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will strengthen its engagement with NASA and the international community,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. He praised Thailand’s leadership in supporting open, responsible, and peaceful space exploration.
Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Thailand. The event also included Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Supamas Isarabhakdi, and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec. Nelson contributed a pre-recorded video message for the ceremony’s closing remarks.
“Thailand will enter the golden age of space exploration in full force,” said Apaphant, highlighting the significance of the nation’s decision.
The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by NASA, the U.S. Department of State, and seven other founding nations, promote the peaceful and beneficial use of space. The principles align with the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements, such as the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement. They also support best practices for space exploration, including the public release of scientific data.
