Dr Pakorn Apaphant is advancing Thailand’s space technology, from practical satellite applications on Earth to a stronger role in global space cooperation.

When we think about space, our minds often travel beyond Earth: to distant planets, astronauts and the possibility of life elsewhere. Yet some of space technology’s most meaningful contributions happen much closer to home. Satellites help us understand our planet, from the movement of storms to changes in forests, coastlines and cities.

It is this connection between space and everyday life that drives Dr Pakorn Apaphant. As Executive Director of GISTDA, he sees space technology as a tool for addressing challenges on Earth and helping Thailand prepare for what comes next.

Building a Foundation in Technology

Dr Pakorn Apaphant’s journey into space technology began with engineering. After studying Mechanical Engineering at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, he went on to earn a master’s degree and PhD in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in the United States. He later specialised in satellite remote sensing, geographic information systems and digital photogrammetry.

His work has long extended beyond research. Dr Pakorn served as Head of GISTDA’s Research and Development Group. He also held board and executive positions at Data Mining Co Ltd, the Software Industry Promotion Agency, Eastern Commercial Leasing PCL and DAD SPV Co Ltd. In academia, he has served as a special lecturer at Kasetsart University, Chiang Mai University and Rangsit University. These experiences have given him a broad view of how research, business and education can work together to strengthen Thailand’s technology capabilities and support its future development.

Today, as Executive Director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Dr Pakorn leads Thailand’s efforts to develop its space and geo-informatics capabilities. 

“Our goal is to develop a national satellite constellation that can support Thailand’s needs across a wide range of applications. This is a major project that GISTDA hopes to bring to fruition within the next year.

The second priority is to put satellite data and our technologies to practical use. We want to make sure they deliver real benefits to the public, to the point where people can use them in their everyday lives.

The third is the development of a spaceport. This is something we hope to see happen next year, and we are currently conducting a feasibility study. If the findings show that it is viable, we will work towards making it happen.”

These are Dr Pakorn’s three main priorities. Beyond these, he also wants to strengthen the capabilities of younger staff at GISTDA, particularly in areas such as AI, English and other skills they will need for the future.

Turning Satellite Data into Action

One of GISTDA’s priorities is to make space technology useful in everyday life. As a public organisation under Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, GISTDA develops space technology and geo-informatics for the benefit of the country and its people. It operates two Earth observation satellites, THEOS-1 and THEOS-2, which capture images of the Earth and turn them into useful information.

Agriculture is one area where this technology can make a difference. Satellite data helps identify land use, monitor crop conditions and track environmental changes. Farmers and relevant agencies can use these insights to manage farmland more precisely, plan each stage from planting to harvest, estimate yields and monitor potential crop diseases.

The information also supports wider planning. Satellite maps can show the distribution of forests, rice fields, roads and waterways, giving businesses and public agencies a clearer picture of the land and its resources. These insights can help guide decisions about land use, agricultural management and development.

Thailand’s Place in Space Cooperation

In February 2026, Dr Pakorn took on a major international role as Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), for a one-year term through February 2027. The appointment, based in Vienna, Austria, marks an important moment for Thailand’s presence in international space affairs. Thailand is only the 15th country to have held this position.

The STSC helps shape international discussions on the scientific and technical aspects of space activities. Its work covers issues such as space debris, space weather, the long-term sustainability of space activities and space traffic management. As Chair, Dr Pakorn must guide discussions among representatives from more than 110 member states and help build common ground on issues that affect the global space community.

The role reflects the growing contribution of Thai expertise to international space cooperation. It also offers an example to young people in Thailand, particularly those pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics, of how a career in engineering can lead to a place at the highest levels of global space governance.