Dr. Wiphu Rujopakarn
Leads NARIT into a New Era of Global Astronomy and Space Science

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Wiphu Rujopakarn as its new Executive Director, effective August 1, 2025. Dr. Wiphu becomes the third Executive Director in NARIT’s history, following founding directors Prof. Boonrucksar Soonthornthum and Dr. Saran Poshyachinda.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Wiphu served as NARIT’s Deputy Director, where he strengthened scientific programs, established the institute as a regional hub for astronomy and astrophysics, and expanded Thailand’s influence in the international scientific community.

Dr. Wiphu earned a B.Sc. in Honors Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2006), and a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Arizona (2012). His postdoctoral work includes research at the University of Arizona (2012–2013) and the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, University of Tokyo (2014–2017), where he conducted pioneering studies on hidden star-forming regions in distant galaxies. His research spans galaxy evolution, star formation, and active galactic nuclei, utilizing world-class facilities such as ALMA, the Very Large Array, and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Dr. Wiphu has played a pivotal role in international collaboration. He spearheaded Thailand’s membership in the East Asia Observatory (EAO), enabling Thai astronomers to access telescopes like the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), a key instrument in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) network, which captured the world’s first image of a black hole.

He has also strengthened partnerships in radio astronomy, contributing to the development of the Thailand National Radio Observatory (TNRO) in collaboration with global institutions such as Yebes Observatory (Spain), the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (Germany), and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (China). Dr. Wiphu has led joint projects with the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) in China, promoting Thai-Chinese collaboration in lunar and deep space exploration (ILRS) and establishing joint research laboratories for long-term scientific cooperation.

Furthering international partnerships, Dr. Wiphu has strengthened ties with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), building on initiatives such as the exhibition of Ryugu asteroid samples in Thailand. These initiatives also support the development of Thailand’s TSC-1 satellites under the Thai Space Consortium, fostering knowledge exchange and expertise in space technology.

Through these efforts, Dr. Wiphu has significantly enhanced Thailand’s capabilities in cutting-edge research, strengthened national astronomical infrastructure, and elevated the country’s role on the global scientific stage.

In his first remarks as Executive Director, Dr. Wiphu emphasized the importance of continuity and NARIT’s national role:

*"For me, NARIT is not only a research institute but also a driving force for Thailand’s capabilities in human capital and advanced technology. Who would have imagined that Thailand would host a world-class observatory atop Doi Inthanon, a national radio telescope, and regional observatories serving over two million people annually? That astronomical research would enable the creation of advanced laboratories, and that Thai-built instruments would soon orbit the Moon? This is the path NARIT is forging to become one of the world’s leading astronomical research institutions.

Over the past 16 years, this progress was made possible thanks to Prof. Boonrucksar Soonthornthum, Dr. Saran Poshyachinda, and the dedication of every NARIT team member. As I take on this responsibility, the guiding principle is continuity. We must fulfill our promise to Thai society — making astronomy tangible, raising awareness, and building consensus on the importance of fundamental science.

People often ask, ‘Why look at the stars?’ By making astronomy accessible and showing its value, we inspire other areas of fundamental science. The inspiration, highly skilled workforce, and emerging deep-tech opportunities are NARIT’s most precious gifts to future generations."*

Under Dr. Wiphu’s leadership, NARIT will continue world-class astronomical research, operate landmark facilities including the Thai National Observatory, Thai National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, and expand Thailand’s role in global astronomy and space collaborations, positioning the country as both a national asset and an international science partner.