Starlink · SpaceX · Thai Enquirer
Government insists on majority Thai ownership for Starlink despite regional exemptions
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The government insists that Thai investors must hold a majority stake in any Starlink operation, maintaining a restriction that could prevent the satellite internet provider from entering Thailand despite regional exemptions and ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
Key facts
- Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said on Friday that SpaceX would need a Thai partner holding at least 51%
- Malaysia granted the company a full foreign ownership exemption, the Philippines allows wholly foreign-owned telecommunications businesses, and Vietnam waived ownership restrictions for a pilot programme running until 2030.
- He also cited data security and national security concerns, saying foreign satellite landing rights and ownership requirements were discussed at a National Space Policy Committee meeting on August 17.
- Starlink operates in more than 160 countries, territories and other markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Vietnam
Summary
Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said on Friday that SpaceX would need a Thai partner holding at least 51%. He said an arrangement involving technology transfer would be acceptable, but rejected allowing the company to establish a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary.
Chaichanok said Starlink’s technology, pricing and production capacity could leave domestic operators unable to compete. He also cited data security and national security concerns, saying foreign satellite landing rights and ownership requirements were discussed at a National Space Policy Committee meeting on August 17.