GISTDA Joins Forces with OECD to Drive Space Economy, Elevating Thailand to the Global Space Arena

On March 31, 2026, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), or GISTDA, moved forward in elevating the development of the Space Economy through collaboration with the OECD. This partnership serves as a preparation for Thailand to enter the OECD Technical Review process. The collaboration focuses on upgrading national potential to meet international standards and laying a new foundation for economic growth in the space dimension.
Currently, the OECD has developed a clear and globally recognized framework for the Space Economy. GISTDA recognizes the strategic potential of using this framework as a key tool to upgrade national space mechanisms into "Growth Infrastructure".
Dr. Natthawat Hongkarnjanakul, Director of the Office of Space Economy Promotion at GISTDA, held discussions with Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator, and Salinee Phonprapai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with their teams at Ruean Chula Narumit, Chulalongkorn University. The meeting focused on exchanging guidelines for Space Economy development to support Thailand's elevated role on the global stage and to drive the space industry as a "New Frontier" that builds international investment confidence. Furthermore, GISTDA has been invited to meet with OECD Space Economy experts in Paris, France, to transition from data exchange to a deeper and more concrete strategic collaboration.
During the discussion, Dr. Natthawat emphasized three key strategic pillars to enhance this deep exchange:
1. OECD Space Forum at Thailand Space Expo 2026: Preparing to host this international event to link global experts from Paris to Thailand and push for Thailand's integration with the OECD.
2. National Data Collaboration: GISTDA is ready to serve as the primary mechanism for supporting national data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) following the OECD analytical framework to enhance transparency and credibility.
3. Accession Framework Development: Focusing on applying space technology to manage disasters such as floods, wildfires, and droughts to reflect that the Space Economy is a "New Frontier" that supports sustainable development goals.
This movement reflects GISTDA's role as the nation's primary mechanism for strategic coordination, pushing the Thai space economy to grow systematically and sustainably. The ultimate goal is to support Thailand's elevation to OECD membership by 2030.

GISTDA Joins Forces with OECD to Drive Space Economy, Elevating Thailand to the Global Space Arena
On March 31, 2026, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), or GISTDA, moved forward in elevating the development of the Space Economy through collaboration with the OECD. This partnership serves as a preparation for Thailand to enter the OECD Technical Review process. The collaboration focuses on upgrading national potential to meet international standards and laying a new foundation for economic growth in the space dimension.
Currently, the OECD has developed a clear and globally recognized framework for the Space Economy. GISTDA recognizes the strategic potential of using this framework as a key tool to upgrade national space mechanisms into "Growth Infrastructure".
Dr. Natthawat Hongkarnjanakul, Director of the Office of Space Economy Promotion at GISTDA, held discussions with Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator, and Salinee Phonprapai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with their teams at Ruean Chula Narumit, Chulalongkorn University. The meeting focused on exchanging guidelines for Space Economy development to support Thailand's elevated role on the global stage and to drive the space industry as a "New Frontier" that builds international investment confidence. Furthermore, GISTDA has been invited to meet with OECD Space Economy experts in Paris, France, to transition from data exchange to a deeper and more concrete strategic collaboration.
During the discussion, Dr. Natthawat emphasized three key strategic pillars to enhance this deep exchange:
1. OECD Space Forum at Thailand Space Expo 2026: Preparing to host this international event to link global experts from Paris to Thailand and push for Thailand's integration with the OECD.
2. National Data Collaboration: GISTDA is ready to serve as the primary mechanism for supporting national data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) following the OECD analytical framework to enhance transparency and credibility.
3. Accession Framework Development: Focusing on applying space technology to manage disasters such as floods, wildfires, and droughts to reflect that the Space Economy is a "New Frontier" that supports sustainable development goals.
This movement reflects GISTDA's role as the nation's primary mechanism for strategic coordination, pushing the Thai space economy to grow systematically and sustainably. The ultimate goal is to support Thailand's elevation to OECD membership by 2030.