NARIT News

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Thailand and China Launch First VGOS Radio Telescope in Chiang Mai
for Earth's Plates Tectonic Monitoring and Global Research

May 16, 2025 – Chiang Mai — The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), held the inauguration ceremony for Thailand’s first VGOS (VLBI Geodetic Observing System) radio telescope, a 13-meter instrument located at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory within the Huai Hong Krai Royal Development Study Center, Chiang Mai. This project, supported by the Shanghai Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to advance studies in geodesy, Earth's tectonic plates movement, and support global scientific collaboration.

The ceremony was attended by Professor Dr. Supachai Patumunakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, representing Thailand, and Professor Dr. Ding Chibiao, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, representing China. Distinguished guests included Dr. Saran Poshyachinda, Director of NARIT; Professor Shen Zhiqiang, Director of Shanghai Observatory; Ms. Pasupha Sinworosophak, Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing for education, science, research, and innovation; Mr. Ma Minggeng, Science and Technology Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Thailand; Mr. Chen Haiping, Consul General of China in Chiang Mai; Mr. Supharut Intharawut, Deputy Secretary-General of the Special Task Force Office for Royal Projects; Mr. Dutsadi Phromphraekhaeo, Director of Huay Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center; along with researchers, engineers, and executives from both countries.

Professor Dr. Supachai Patumunakul highlighted the significance of this inauguration, noting that the establishment of Thailand’s first VGOS radio telescope marks an important milestone for Thai science and astronomy. He also celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, emphasizing that “science knows no borders,” and international cooperation is essential in addressing global challenges. He expressed pride in Thailand’s contribution to expanding knowledge in global geodesy.

This achievement exemplifies the power of international collaboration. The 13-meter VGOS radio telescope represents not only advanced scientific infrastructure but also a commitment to cooperative research, instrumentation development, data analysis, and future joint scientific missions. The facility is expected to facilitate new discoveries, achieve shared scientific objectives, and strengthen Thailand-China relations.

Looking ahead, plans include the establishment of a joint Thailand-China laboratory for astronomy and space technology, intended to serve as a center for research, training, and technology development. Pooling expertise and resources will enhance capabilities in astronomy, geodesy, data analysis, and instrumentation, with a focus on developing the next generation of scientific leaders.

Professor Dr. Ding Chibiao congratulated Thailand on this milestone and praised the collaboration between NARIT and Shanghai Observatory, supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, MHESI, and the Chinese Embassy. He underscored the partnership’s multidisciplinary reach—including astronomy, geology, and environmental sciences—and the tangible outcomes it has produced. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays, and system testing, the partnership has successfully delivered the 13-meter VGOS telescope. He expressed hope that this facility will continue to produce advanced scientific results.

Dr. Saran Poshyachinda stated that the VGOS radio telescope is a new landmark for Thailand’s scientific landscape and a symbol of strong collaboration between NARIT, MHESI, and the Shanghai Observatory. A second 13-meter VGOS telescope is currently under construction at Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, further enhancing Thailand’s capabilities and integration into the global VGOS network.

Gratitude was extended to the Special Projects Coordination Office (GPRC) and Huay Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center for their ongoing support of activities at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory site.

The VGOS radio telescope is a cooperative endeavor between NARIT and the Shanghai Observatory, with NARIT providing the site and infrastructure, while Shanghai Observatory managed manufacturing, assembly, and installation. The project, valued at over 120 million baht, began construction in 2017, was completed in 2024, and officially opened this year. The second telescope, currently under construction, will enable enhanced monitoring of the Earth’s crustal movements within Thailand and participation in global geodetic efforts.

The VGOS system employs dual-band S-/X-band receivers operating between 2 and 14 GHz, using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) techniques, where multiple radio telescopes observe the same object simultaneously. This allows measurements of Earth’s shape, rotation, and tectonic plate movements with millimeter-level precision. The data collected supports studies on Earth’s orientation and rotation parameters, vital for geodesy and understanding Earth dynamics.

During the event, attendees toured the 13-meter VGOS radio telescope and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. They also visited advanced technology and engineering labs, including satellite assembly and testing, radio signal equipment development, advanced mechanical manufacturing, telescope remote control systems, and mirror coating and anodization facilities at NARIT headquarters. A China–Thailand Geodesy Capacity Development Workshop was also held at Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening collaboration in geodesy and remote sensing techniques.