The Cabinet resolved to approve the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, known as the Ministry of Science and Technology, to conduct the National Research Institute research project on July 20, 2004. Most of the ongoing research demonstrates research capabilities, research technology, and innovation, as well as supporting the strengthening of basic science research and creating a scientific learning society and technology for the Thai people. This includes creating flexibility in operating independently under the supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Therefore, the National Astronomical Research Institute is established as a public organization under the Public Organization Act B.E. 2542.

Later, on October 22, 2008, the Cabinet approved the draft Royal Decree establishing the National Astronomical Research Institute (Public Organization) for the year 2008 to the present to His Majesty the King, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously commanded it on December 27, 2008, and it was announced in the Royal Gazette on December 31, 2008, to be effective from January 1, 2009, onwards. This ceremony marks the founding day of the National Astronomical Research Institute (Public Organization).

To be a world-renowned organization in Astronomy, Technology and Innovation.

On 20 July 2004, the Thai cabinet approved the establishment of National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), under then Ministry of Science and Technology (now Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation) with its aim not only to mainly develop the astronomical research but also to undertake academic service for the public which includes the access to our telescopes located in 13 different locations as described below;

For academic service and public outreach (5x)

• Headquarters: Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, Chiang Mai (in operation)
• Regional Observatory for the Public, Nakhon Ratchasima (in operation)
• Regional Observatory for the Public, Chachoengsao (in operation)
• Regional Observatory for the Public, Songkhla (in operation)
• Regional Observatory for the Public, Khon Kaen (under construction)

For research and scientific purpose (8x)

• Thai National Observatory (TNO)
• Thai National Radio Astronomy Observatory (TNRO)
• Thai Robotic Telescope Network:
  • Cerro- Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTAO), Republic of Chile
  • Gao Mei Gu Observatory, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
  • Sierra Remote Observatory, California, United States of America
  • Spring Brook Observatory, New South Wales, Australia
  • Thai National Observatory, Royal Thai Air Force, Chiang Mai
  • Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Kingdom of Spain

Observing time: Saturdays from 18:00 – 22:00

Chiang Mai: November – May

Chachoengsao: Year round

Songkhla: January – October

Nakhonratchasima: Year round

Contact address

Regional Observatory for the Public, Nakhon Ratchasima

111 Suranaree Rd, Tambon Nai Mueang, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000

Tel. +66 44 216-254 ext. 623 

Contact person: Ms.Hattaya Kotcharat

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regional Observatory for the Public, Chachoengsao

999 Wang Yen, Plang Yao, Chachoengsao 24190

Tel. +66 38 589- 395 ext. 634

Contact person: Ms.Nattaya Siriwanasakul

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regional Observatory for the Public, Songkhla

79/4 Khao Rup Chang, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla 90000

Tel. +66 74 300-868 ext. 644

Contact person: Ms.Budsakon Lopattanakit

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Operating hours

Tuesdays – Sundays: 09:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Mondays: CLOSED

Planetarium show schedule (60 mins each)

Tuesdays – Fridays: 11:00 and 14:00  *English show every 11:00 on Friday

Saturdays: 10:00/ 14:00/ 17:00

Sundays: 10:00/ 14:00

Ticket prices

• Planetarium show
• Children/ Students: 30 Thai Baht
• Adults: 50 Thai Baht

• Exhibits (FREE)
• NARIT Public Night on Saturdays (FREE)

To reserve the seats for a group, please contact Mr Piyawat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or tel. +66 53 121 268 ext. 111

How to purchase the tickets

• We recommend you to purchase your ticket online in advance here (click). Please present your digital ticket receipt at the ticket counter.
• Purchase your ticket in the main lobby of planetarium which will be sold on weekdays 30 minutes before the start time of the show and 1 hour on weekends, unless the tickets have been sold out online prior to the show time. (CASH ONLY)

The doors will open 15 minutes before the show starts.

Address : 260 Moo 4, Tambon Donkaew, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand

Location: 18.85320874844, 98.958930881653

“Center of excellence in astronomical research and development for Thailand and Southeast Asia.   A collection of arts, sciences, technology and related innovations.
A place to study, research, incubate and foster researchers in astrophysics.
An information center, training, transferring astronomical technology and  organizing astronomical activities. The most complete astrophysical attraction in Thailand.”

Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark is comprised of

1. Headquarters Building and Engineering Facilities - contains astronomical laboratories, optics and photonics laboratory, center of astronomy outreach and public engagement, astronomical library and archives center and Office of Directors  office ITCA,  
Office hours : Monday - Friday (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

2. Public Service Complex

The planetarium includes a digital FullDome DX4 system with a 17-meter diameter screen, providing an immersive experience for up to 160 seats.

The Astronomy Exhibition features two zones covering over 2,800 square meters:
     Basic Astronomy Zone: Explore the world of astronomy through a simple exhibition that guides you through everyday astronomical phenomena and more.
     Astronomy Insight Zone: Uncover the science behind the fundamental aspects of astronomy, gaining a deeper understanding of the nature of celestial bodies and their interactions.

NSM Science Square is an exhibition space designed to provide an informal learning environment for science, technology, and innovation. It aims to enhance the learning experience and inspire children and adolescents through interactive STEM-related exhibitions and joyful activities.

The Public Observatory compound offers a wide range of telescopes, including an 18-foot clamshell dome made of fiberglass that fully opens to 180 degrees. This setup allows the installed 0.7-meter telescope to conduct all-sky observations. Additionally, there is a roll-off-roof observatory housing a 0.5-meter telescope and several other telescopes ranging from 4 to 5 inches, all available for public use.
Furthermore, there is a multipurpose activity area designed for organizing astronomical events and outdoor activities.

Office hours for the planetarium and exhibition:
Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Planetarium showtimes:
Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
       * English showtime at 11:00 a.m. on Fridays only
Saturday: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday and Public holidays: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Public night for stargazing:
Every Saturday night from November to May: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.