Mr. Patompob Suwansiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thaicom Public Company Limited (SET: THCOM), informed “Kaohoon” that the increasing severity of natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, ranging from the major flood in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, to clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, underscores the urgent need for a stable and crisis-resilient communication system.
Recently, THCOM held talks with the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to address national-level communication issues after it was discovered that terrestrial networks became unusable during previous crisis situations.
The company therefore proposed the use of “satellite phones,” which connect directly to space-based satellites without the need for terrestrial signal towers, enabling communications in remote areas, or in places where mobile networks are down, such as at sea, on mountains, and in disaster zones.
To minimize impacts on Internet and mobile phone users, THCOM has accelerated the enhancement of backup communication systems. Previously, the company partnered with Japanese tech and investment giant SoftBank Group to integrate Thaicom’s satellite network to support signal connectivity during tsunamis, which enabled uninterrupted and effective communications in critical areas.
Mr. Patompob further stated that the company is currently negotiating with major telecommunications firms in Thailand, especially Advanced Info Service PCL (SET: ADVANC), to integrate Thaicom’s satellite network with their terrestrial communication systems. This integration aims to ensure resilient national communications during emergencies, whether disasters or geopolitical tensions, so the country’s communications can remain stable and continuous.
This service will act as an “emergency backup network,” switching to Thaicom’s satellite-based phone system when the terrestrial network is unstable. THCOM will collect fees from telecom service providers, while mobile network operators will continue to earn “airtime fees” from their customers’ wireless usage as usual.
Mr. Patompob also noted that Thaicom is in discussions with the military and security agencies to leverage defense technology, particularly “anti-drone” (Anti-Drone System/C-UAS) solutions, to counter cross-border drone threats. The company is working with international partners, including Israeli firms with advanced technology, to deploy systems capable of detecting, identifying, and intercepting hostile drones.
THCOM notes that, globally, the “security market” is 5–10 times larger than the “satellite services market.” The global satellite services market is valued at about $100 billion (approx. THB 3.18 trillion), while the “security/defense/global security market” is valued at $500 billion to $1 trillion (approx. THB 15.9–31.8 trillion).
Thaicom confirms its readiness to support the military in using defense technology to protect critical national infrastructure—including oil refineries, power plants, and airports—which are central to the country’s security and economic value.
The “anti-drone system” will help reduce risks and efficiently prevent potential damage. Meanwhile, THCOM will serve as the system operator as required by the military and security agencies, and will jointly develop software to enhance the system’s capabilities.
Additionally, Elon Musk, billionaire and founder of the space company SpaceX, has responded to news about the company’s preparation to enter the stock market after space industry journalists reported that the company is considering raising over $25 billion through an initial public offering (IPO) within 2026. This may push the company’s valuation above $1 trillion.
Mr. Patompob stated that SpaceX’s fundraising to develop rocket and satellite deployment technology will reduce future satellite launch costs, benefiting Thaicom, which has consistently used SpaceX’s launch services. During the first half of 2026, the company will launch Thaicom 9, a 10 Gbps satellite, into orbit via SpaceX rockets.
In 2027, Thaicom 10, featuring 100 Gbps capacity, will be launched, with costs expected to fall significantly. More than 50% of Thaicom 10’s capacity has already been contracted to customers. In addition, following the development of Thaicom 10, the company plans to launch Thaicom 11.
