Thaicom Public Company Limited is spearheading the advancement of satellite internet in remote regions, beginning with the Doi Wiang Pha community in Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai. By introducing cutting-edge satellite technology and space services, including telemedicine, digital education, online transactions, and satellite mobile networks, the company aims to improve the quality of life. This innovative initiative is further bolstered by IoT device solutions and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite platform, which will also support Earth observation projects like a carbon credit platform, all in alignment with Thailand's ESG goals.
Ekachai Phakdurong, Chief Strategy Officer at Thaicom Public Company Limited, stated, “For over 30 years, Thaicom has focused on stable business operations alongside quality-of-life development for the community and the country. We have played a key role in enabling communication coverage and equality in Thailand. Thaicom has been providing internet services to people living in remote areas across the country, as well as supporting over 24 academic initiatives to give children, youth, and local residents easy and convenient access to satellite internet. However, many areas still face internet shortages and need additional support. Therefore, we remain committed to improving the quality of life in remote communities through new satellite and space technologies, driven by the space industry to maximize benefits for these communities”.
Doi Wiang Pha in Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai, has been acknowledged as a model for sustainable community management, thanks to the implementation of new services supported by Thaicom’s advanced communication satellite. This technology, known as Software Defined High Throughput Satellite (SD-HTS), provides reliable signal transmission and coverage across all areas. The system's transmission capabilities can be redirected to other regions, and service channels can be expanded as required.
Other advancements include streaming services through an online platform with speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, which supports applications like telemedicine, digital education, online transactions, and large data transfers. Additionally, the stable satellite system provides 4G/5G network connectivity with extensive coverage, and easy-to-install portable signal transmission receivers enhance accessibility and usage within communities.
Thaicom has expanded its partnership with LEO, a prominent global platform, to use IoT devices for asset tracking and safety, benefiting both community members and tourists. This collaboration extends to Space Tech, which taps into Thaicom’s satellite expertise to offer services such as Big Data analysis, satellite imagery, and geographic information, all driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The new platforms and services under Earth Insights include CarbonWatch, CropWatch, CityWatch, ClimeWatch, and CirrusWatch, all aimed at improving livelihoods through space technology.
Ekachai Phakdurong added, “The pioneering site at Doi Wiang Pha in Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai, has reached its full potential in education, career development, telemedicine, environmental preservation, and tourism promotion. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to achieving ESG goals alongside community, societal, and environmental development”.
