Thailand has been appointed chair of the United Nations’ Scientific and Technical Subcommittee for 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing role in global space governance. The appointment was confirmed on February 2 at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna under the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), the world’s principal forum for guiding international cooperation on space activities.
Dr Pakorn Apaphant, executive director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), will serve as chair of the STSC, presiding over meetings and leading discussions at a time of increasing geopolitical challenges in multilateral space cooperation. He described the appointment as an honour for Thailand, noting that the STSC is the UN’s core technical platform for addressing key space-related issues.
The subcommittee focuses on critical areas such as space debris, space weather, space traffic management and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, which form the basis for future international guidelines and cooperative frameworks. Dr Pakorn said building consensus among member states remains challenging due to differing national capabilities and interests, requiring strong diplomacy and negotiation.
Out of 110 UN COPUOS member states, only 14 countries have previously chaired the STSC, making Thailand the 15th. The role is expected to enhance Thailand’s international profile, strengthen its space sector, and inspire Thai youth to pursue careers in science, technology, and space studies.
