Statement by Thaicom on the Thai Cabinet Resolutions

Tuesday 26 February 2019 11:53
Statement by Anant Kaewruamvongs, CEO Thaicom, on the Thai Cabinet Resolutions from 29/01/2019 regarding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Extension of Service Life of Thaicom-5

On the Thai cabinet's decision to restructure the country's satellite management regime and pursue a public-private partnership (PPP) model:

- We welcome the Thai Government's approval for the country's satellite management after the end of the concession in 2021, thus in principle pursuing a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the Thai satellite industry moving forward.

- We wish to engage in a constructive cooperation with the Thai Government to enhance national security by joining the public-private partnership (PPP) model. We are pleased to be able to contribute our extensive know-how and experience as one of Asia's leading satellite operators to support and develop the future satellite industry of Thailand.

- We are open to discuss various forms of project collaboration to enhance public-private partnership. We look forward to a successful partnership with the Thai Government and to working together in a constructive manner for the benefit of the nation and the whole region.

On the Thai cabinet's approval to extend the service life of Thaicom-5:

- We would like to thank the Thai Government for its prudent decision to approve the reutilization of the Thaicom-5 satellite.

- We will utilize space drone technology to extend the service life of Thaicom-5. We plan to extend the service life of other satellites in our fleet as well—such as Thaicom-4 (IPSTAR) — subject to public-private partnership outcome.

- We believe the Thai Cabinet's recent approval of the satellite life extension will boost market confidence and guarantee service continuity beyond the end of the satellite concession in 2021.

We believe the decision made will help build trust among our customers and emphasizes Thailand's long-term commitment to her partners.