BANGKOK, October 29, 2026 – Thailand has reaffirmed its leadership on the international space stage by hosting the 32nd Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-32). Returning to Thailand for the first time in 16 years, the premier multilateral event convenes space agencies, policymakers, academic institutions, and industry pioneers to shape a resilient and sustainable future for space cooperation across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
The forum takes place from October 26–28, 2026, at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, followed by sessions on October 29–30, 2026, at ICONSIAM Hall (7th Floor). The event is co-hosted by Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, alongside Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Dr.Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of GISTDA, highlighted the strategic significance of the event, noting that hosting APRSAF again after 16 years serves as an invaluable platform connecting Thailand with the international community. The framework spans policy formulation and hands-on operational execution—including disaster-mitigation data sharing, collaborative research and talent development, and responsible space stewardship—while providing Thai professionals and innovators direct access to high-impact international initiatives.
Organized under the theme “Bridging the Asia-Pacific: Advancing a Trusted and Inclusive Space Future,” APRSAF-32 focuses on three central pillars:
- Bridging the Asia-Pacific: Fostering deeper integration across data infrastructure and human capital, effectively connecting regional capabilities with the broader global space ecosystem to ensure no one is left behind.
- Building Strategic Trust: Advancing mutual transparency, international norms, and responsible governance to transcend geopolitical competition in an increasingly polarized global landscape.
- Championing an Inclusive Space Future: Demolishing legacy barriers to make space accessible beyond a handful of dominant entities, welcoming startups, established industries, academia, youth, and civil society into co-creating future space initiatives.
The forum translates strategic dialogue into tangible execution through integrated exhibitions and panels with the Thailand Space Expo, linking public missions with commercial innovation. Furthermore, synergy with the Moon Village Association Symposium bridges regional Earth observation and low Earth orbit (LEO) operations directly with lunar exploration—humanity’s next frontier.
Dr.Pakorn concluded that APRSAF-32 extends far beyond conference room deliberations; it lays the foundation for enduring cross-border collaboration in climate resilience, disaster management, joint technical standards, and next-generation talent incubation. For Thailand, the forum cements its standing as a vital “bridge” connecting ASEAN to the global space network and translating advanced space technology into real-world developmental outcomes.
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