As global carbon markets demand unprecedented levels of integrity and digital transparency, SET-listed satellite operator Thaicom is stepping forward in response to this call.
Chief executive Patompob Suwansiri said Thailand’s leading space technology pioneer announced a strategic expansion, deploying earth observation (EO) satellites and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform carbon credit management and drive the nation’s ambitious climate programme.
Thailand accelerated its climate targets, committing to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, 15 years ahead of its original goal.
CarbonWatch
Thaicom hopes this strategy will propel Thailand’s carbon credit market and its sustainability push, he said.
At the heart of the strategy is Thaicom’s CarbonWatch, a space tech platform certified by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.
The platform leverages Thaicom’s expertise in geospatial intelligence to provide the precise measurement, reporting and verification required for high-quality carbon credits.
“As Thailand positions itself at the forefront of the global climate economy, many industries worldwide are seeking carbon credits that are verifiable and transparent,” Mr Patompob said.
By leveraging advanced Earth observation technology with AI, he said Thaicom can deliver cutting-edge solutions to address climate change.
“We are transforming complex forest carbon assessment into an affordable, scalable service that not only drives the country’s carbon credit economy, but also ensures every credit represents accurate, measurable climate action,” said Mr Patompob.
The CarbonWatch platform supports the entire carbon credit management structure.
This digital infrastructure is crucial as Thailand lays the foundation for a future emissions trading system and carbon tax under the draft Climate Change Act, he said.
Economic Opportunities
Thaicom’s move aligns with a massive global shift in the space economy. According to the World Economic Forum, the value of the EO market is projected to exceed US$700 billion, with Asia-Pacific expected to capture more than 40% of this market by 2030.
“We view space technology not only as a tool for connectivity, but also as a critical engine for sustainability,” said Mr Patompob.
EO insights have the potential to reduce more than 2 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030, he said.
Thaicom’s technology opens new avenues for international collaboration and investment in the Thai carbon market, ensuring the nation remains competitive in a low-carbon future, said Mr Patompob.
In addition, the rise of AI and machine learning amplifies the value of EO data, fuelling the geospatial intelligence data market. Thailand is emerging as a regional hub of geospatial intelligence data along with China, India and Japan, he said.
“Leveraging satellite expertise and local talent, we are supporting national needs in resource management, agriculture and climate adaptation,” said Mr Patompob.
“As carbon credit programmes grow, geospatial intelligence data will unlock new opportunities for both the public and private sectors.”
Beyond Carbon Credits
CarbonWatch is only part of Thaicom’s strategy.
“Our vision is to leverage space technology to solve real-world problems that impact both climate and communities. Beyond carbon credit verification, we are expanding into critical areas such as air quality, sustainable agriculture and public health,” he said.
For example, Thaicom is working with the Pollution Control Department and Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research to build an AI-powered platform that tracks PM2.5 pollution nationwide in real time.
This system uses satellite data to monitor dust, cloud density, and airflow patterns, enabling authorities to take proactive measures in managing air quality.
“Agriculture is another focus. We’ve partnered with the Cane and Sugar Board to deploy a burn-tracking platform that detects sugar-cane field fires, reducing harmful emissions and supporting environmental compliance,” said Mr Patompob.
In collaboration with Global Green Chemicals Plc, Thaicom is extending CarbonWatch to oil palm plantations, providing measurement, reporting and verification workflows that help farmers qualify for carbon credits under global standards.
“In Lampang, our partnership with Siam Cement Group and Kasetsart University empowers local communities by measuring carbon sequestration in community forests, creating verifiable climate benefits and new income streams through carbon trading,” he said.
These initiatives show how space technology can drive sustainability and economic resilience, said Mr Patompob.
ESG core
“At Thaicom, environmental, social and governance [ESG] concerns aren’t a requirement — they form the foundation of our strategy,” he said.
“Sustainability is not a checkbox; it’s embedded in everything we do.”
This ethos reflects Thaicom’s commitment to measurable climate action. The company received a “High Commendation for Sustainability Excellence” from the Stock Exchange of Thailand for two consecutive years (2024-2025), a testament to its approach.
“This recognition is more than just an accolade — it validates our belief that technology and sustainability can go hand in hand, inspiring us to keep pushing boundaries for a greener, more connected future,” said Mr Patompob.
Thaicom’s integrated approach supports government pledges to join several international cooperation frameworks to combat climate change.
By acting as a central facilitator, Thaicom is helping to drive industrial decarbonisation, he said.
“Our goal is to make carbon credit projects simple, transparent and accessible,” said Mr Patompob.
“Whether it is a community forest or a large-scale plantation, our technology ensures the environmental impact is real. We are leveraging space technology to support the nation’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 — building a sustainable future that benefits communities, industries and the planet.”