Thailand has decided to maintain strict domestic control over its satellite telecommunications industry, specifically barring full foreign ownership for American firms like SpaceX. This stance on national interests comes as the country prepares for high-stakes trade negotiations with the Trump administration, which are scheduled to resume near the end of August 2026.
Thailand’s Vice Minister at the Ministry of Commerce Kirida Bhaopichitr identified the low-orbit satellite sector as a critical matter of national sovereignty, designating it as the primary industry where Thailand will allow only 49% of foreign ownership in the telecom infrastructure, but not total investment.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX—which went public this past June—is reportedly seeking to expand its Starlink internet services within the kingdom.
To facilitate broader economic cooperation with Washington, Bangkok is prepared to offer significant concessions in other sectors. The government plans to boost imports of American aircraft, liquefied natural gas, corn, and soybeans. Furthermore, Thailand intends to eliminate tariffs and adopt United States quality benchmarks for imports of alcohol, lamb, and beef, although these benefits will not be extended to American pork.
Currently, Thai exports are subject to a 12.5% tariff following a US trade ruling concerning labor practices, while the United States Trade Representative (USTR) continues separate Section 301 investigations into the nation’s production capacity.
The upcoming end-of-month dialogue follows a previous rejection of a SpaceX proposal to create a 100% foreign-owned subsidiary late last year. Neither SpaceX nor the USTR has provided an official response to the current Thai position.
