The Defence Ministry is studying a plan to lease or co-invest in a new satellite at a cost of two billion baht a year over the course of 15 years.
The satellite could be operational in 2021, when the ministry's lease contract for the Thaicom satellite is due to expire, according to ministry sources.
Defence Ministry spokesman Khongcheep Tantrawanich said Wednesday the ministry should have its own satellite for security-related tasks, though a satellite would also be shared with other state agencies.
"The satellite would, however, primarily have a 'channel' for security affairs," said Lt Gen Khongcheep.
"Right now, we are developing human resources [for satellite technology]," he said.
Today, satellites are being used for spy missions and Thai defence authorities need to catch up with this technology, the spokesman said.
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