18 December 1993

First Thai broadcasting satellite launched

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn witnessed the launch of Thailand’s first conventional broadcasting satellite, Thaicom 1, in French Guiana, South America.

The Princess described it as ‘an event to be recorded in Thailand’s telecommunications history.’ All television channels in Thailand provided live coverage. Loud applause erupted as the Ariane 4 rocket blasted off at 8.30am in a huge cloud of smoke. In less than a minute, only a flicker of light could be seen as the rocket headed into space.

Thaksin Shinawatra, chairman of the Shinawatra Group, said the government initiated the national satellite project because it realised the importance and benefits of communications for national development. The Transport and Communications Ministry granted a 30-year concession to Shinawatra Satellite Co on September 11, 1991 to implement the project. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had named the satellite ‘Thaicom’ on December 17, 1991.

The satellite would serve television and radio distribution, satellite telephones, data communications networks and video conferences. It would also enable a wider range of programmes to be offered to Thai viewers under a direct-to-home broadcasting system. Thaicom 2 was successfully launched in October 1994.

18 December 1993

First Thai broadcasting satellite launched

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn witnessed the launch of Thailand’s first conventional broadcasting satellite, Thaicom 1, in French Guiana, South America.

The Princess described it as ‘an event to be recorded in Thailand’s telecommunications history.’ All television channels in Thailand provided live coverage. Loud applause erupted as the Ariane 4 rocket blasted off at 8.30am in a huge cloud of smoke. In less than a minute, only a flicker of light could be seen as the rocket headed into space.

Thaksin Shinawatra, chairman of the Shinawatra Group, said the government initiated the national satellite project because it realised the importance and benefits of communications for national development. The Transport and Communications Ministry granted a 30-year concession to Shinawatra Satellite Co on September 11, 1991 to implement the project. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had named the satellite ‘Thaicom’ on December 17, 1991.

The satellite would serve television and radio distribution, satellite telephones, data communications networks and video conferences. It would also enable a wider range of programmes to be offered to Thai viewers under a direct-to-home broadcasting system. Thaicom 2 was successfully launched in October 1994.