Thailand has become the 51st country to sign NASA’s Artemis Accords. The country formally signed on during a ceremony in Bangkok on December 16, 2024.
“Thailand’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country’s engagement with NASA and the international community,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “By signing the accords, Thailand builds upon an important foundation and shows great leadership for the open, responsible and peaceful exploration of space.”
Pakorn Apaphant, the executive director of Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency signed the Accords on behalf of Thailand. Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Supamas Isarabhakdi and US Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec also participated in the ceremony. Nelson contributed the final remarks in a pre-recorded video message.
“Thailand will enter the golden age of space exploration in full force,” said Apaphant.
In 2020, the United States, led by NASA and the US Department of State, and seven other initial signatory nations established the Artemis Accords, a set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity.
The Artemis Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.
On December 11, NASA marked 50 countries signing the Artemis Accords when Austria joined up. More countries are expected to sign in the weeks and months ahead.
