Organized by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and relevant partner agencies and organizations, the event aims to boost space-related investment opportunities and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness on the international stage. 

Furthermore, it also serves to foster startups, monetize geospatial and space data, and inspire youth, university students, and Thai engineers to integrate into the global space industry supply chain.

In his keynote speech on “Science & Space Diplomacy” at the Thailand Space Expo 2026, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan underscored the role of science, research, and innovation diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships to enhance Thailand’s technological capabilities and translate the potential of the space economy into tangible economic benefits. 

The Vice Minister stressed the importance of developing human capital, promoting Thailand’s participation in the global space value chain, and advancing the peaceful, safe and sustainable use of outer space. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening ASEAN cooperation to address shared regional challenges.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening of the Thailand Space Expo 2026 on 28 October. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat also delivered a keynote speech, while representatives from the private sector showcased their innovations and achievements to the audience.

This event includes over 50 forum sessions featuring more than 100 world-class space experts discussing the space economy, lunar exploration, and satellite engineering.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is preparing to hold this expo in the northeastern province of Udon Thani from 1 November 2026 to 14 March 2027. 

The global event is expected to attract more than 3.6 million participants, generate 20 billion baht in economic value, create over 81,000 jobs, and bring in more than 7.7 billion baht in government tax revenue. Hotels, restaurants, and transport operators and other local businesses will also benefit, helping to develop infrastructure and improve the quality of life in Udon Thani and nearby provinces.

In addition to economic benefits, Thailand’s hosting of the International Horticultural Expo also provides an opportunity to demonstrate its biodiversity and agricultural innovations to a global audience, while expanding green areas in Udon Thani and the upper northeastern region. 

Held under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water, and Plants for Sustainable Living,” the expo highlights the delicate relationship between ecosystems and communities. The venue spans over 1,030 rai (approximately 1.65 million square meters) at the Nong Dae Wetland, featuring a layout that seamlessly blends natural landscapes, cultural elements, and innovation.

The Ministry of Transport is integrating road, rail, and air transport networks to ensure convenient, effective, and seamless travel for visiting the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026.

The Government aims to repurpose the site after the event into an international convention hub and an exhibition space for agricultural products and technology, as well as a permanent public park and an eco-tourism destination for the Greater Mekong Subregion. It will also support the rehabilitation and maintenance of the area before proposing that the Cabinet consider transferring management responsibilities to the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization.

The program was launched at Santi Maitri Building, Government House, on 27 October 2026. The Prime Minister stated that promoting clean and alternative energy is one of the Government’s major policies and a key global issue. The objective is to strengthen Thailand’s energy security.

This household solar scheme is not only meant to install rooftop solar panels but to turn sunlight into savings, create opportunities for the people, shift the role of energy users to energy producers. It aims to enable one million households across the country to access electricity generation from solar energy.

In this regard, the Government will provide a 50,000-baht subsidy for each participating household, as it drives Thailand toward a sustainable clean energy society. In addition to helping reduce energy costs, people can sell excess electricity generated back into the national grid to generate extra household income. This makes the project not just an energy measure, but also an economic and social measure that helps increase income, reduce expenses, promote savings, and tangibly improve people's quality of life

Based on a preliminary estimate, the rooftop solar program will reduce the people's electricity costs by more than 24.5 billion baht a year. This amount will return to the local economic system to help stimulate employment and increase economic opportunities for local communities nationwide.

This project is the result of cooperation between the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Labor to ensure the maximum benefit for the public.

The implementation of clean energy policies is also part of Thailand's preparation for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership, serving as a factor in the evaluation process. Achieving this goal will unlock numerous new opportunities for the country in terms of the economy, trade, and investment.

During their bilateral meeting prior to the Meetings, both sides welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations following the official visit to Malaysia by the Prime Minister of Thailand in July 2026, and agreed to make use of the JDS and JC Meetings to achieve concrete progress in bilateral cooperation. 

The two sides also discussed preparations for upcoming exchanges of high-level visits and activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Malaysia in 2027, including the 8th Annual Consultation between the Prime Ministers, to be hosted by Thailand. They also discussed border security and economic cooperation, as well as regional developments.

At the JDS Meeting, both sides took note of the progress in the implementation of the JDS Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and expressed confidence that a more dynamic and action-oriented JDS would help improve the well-being of the people in the border areas. 

The Meeting welcomed the completion of the road alignment linking the new CIQ Sadao and ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam, and supported the acceleration of the Su-ngai Kolok – Rantau Panjang Second Friendship Bridge project and the revival of the Su-ngai Kolok – Rantau Panjang railway service. 

It noted the discussions on the proposed extension of operating hours of border checkpoints and encouraged linkages between the special border economic zones of the two countries. The Meeting also encouraged the early finalization of the Memoranda of Understanding on education and on labor, with a view to signing them on the occasion of the 8th Annual Consultation.

At the JC Meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in all areas. On security, the Meeting encouraged the use of the Joint Working Committee on Security Cooperation (JWC-SC) as a policy-level platform on border security management, and underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated border patrols. 

On the economic front, both sides expressed their commitment to achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 30 billion by 2027 and agreed to convene the 4th Meeting of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) at the earliest opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation and set a new trade target. 

The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Transport Cooperation (JMC), which will serve as a key mechanism for advancing cross-border connectivity. The Thai side also congratulated Malaysia on its successful ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, while the Malaysian side reaffirmed its support for Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both Meetings adopted their respective Records of Discussion and agreed that the 8th JDS Ministerial Meeting and the 17th JC Meeting would be held in Malaysia. Following the Meetings, the two Foreign Ministers held a joint press conference. In the evening, the Deputy Prime Minister hosted a dinner in honor of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and his delegation, on the occasion of their working visit to Thailand on 27-28 October.

During the visit, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, will co-chair the 16th Meeting of the Thailand-Malaysia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JC) and the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Thailand-Malaysia Committee on Joint Development Strategy for Border Areas (JDS) on 27 October at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

The JC is the principal mechanism for reviewing progress and setting the direction of bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia in all areas, while the JDS is the principal mechanism for advancing the joint development of the border areas of the two countries. 

The meetings build on the 15th JC and the 6th JDS, held in Kuala Lumpur on 6 August 2024, and follow up on the official visit to Malaysia by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 9-10 July 2026. They also serve as preparation for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.

In addition to the two meetings, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, covering key issues including:

1. Exchanges of visits and key activities in 2027 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations;

2. Security cooperation, particularly regarding Thailand’s southern border provinces, as well as border area development and defense cooperation;

3. Economic and trade cooperation, and cross-border connectivity; and

4. Cooperation within the ASEAN framework and regional developments, including the situation in Myanmar and Thailand–Cambodia issues.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn stated that the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) has collaborated with Mahidol University to launch a project transferring the technology of cultivating and producing rice leaf tea from Hom Mali Rice 105.

This project aims to promote career development in Roi Et and add value to Thai rice, catering to the health-conscious rice and beverage market. Having gained widespread interest online, the project highlights the potential of Thai agricultural products to be transformed into innovative goods.

Both the Agricultural Research Development Agency and Mahidol University are focused on leveraging research for commercial use to create economic opportunities for farmers. The initiative spans from cultivation knowledge and quality control to advanced processing.

The highlight of this research is recognizing the value of the rice plant from its young leaves, rather than waiting to harvest only the grains. The developed technology requires a cultivation period of about 28 days and allows up to three young leaf harvests per production cycle under proper management. This increases opportunities for farmers to shorten their production cycles for sales, generating supplementary income alongside traditional rice farming.

More than 350 farmers across five districts in Roi Et – namely Kaset Wisai, Suwannaphum, Pathum Rat, Phon Sai, and Nong Hi – have participated in this pilot project. The initiative transfers comprehensive knowledge, ranging from plantation management and young leaf quality control to processing and market development.

Statistics show that yield per rai (one rai is equal to 1,600 square meters) has increased by over 80 percent, while commercial expansion generates an additional 1,500–2,000 baht per rai for farmers. However, actual outcomes may vary depending on production models and market demand. 

In addition to being produced as tea leaves, young Hom Mali Rice 105 leaves can also be processed into powder for use in a wide variety of drinks and foods, such as lattes, smoothies, and bakery items. This opens up opportunities for coffee shop owners, food businesses, and processing industries to use Thai rice raw materials to create new products, increasing consumer choices and creating marketing opportunities for farmers.

He emphasized that Thailand is elevating its presence on the global stage by expanding trade partnerships and collaborating with the private sector to remove business hurdles and foster growth, while aiming to boost trade, investment, and international confidence.

The Prime Minister stated that Thailand has the potential to be a trading partner, a producer of quality goods at fair prices, and a food-secure nation, and wants partner countries to view Thailand as a partner rather than just a product seller. Therefore, meeting with leaders of various countries is a chance to present Thailand's potential and show that cooperation will bring mutual benefits in trade, investment, and new opportunities.

Regarding Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings from 12 to 18 October, he noted that the event offered business opportunities for the country, especially within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. Of the more than 190 participating nations, over half already have established businesses and investments in Thailand.

The Prime Minister said that foreign investment figures for the first half of the year up to June were higher than the total for the entire previous year, representing an increase of about 30 percent. Meanwhile, Thailand's exports expanded by nearly 25 percent and continued to grow month-on-month, reaching a peak this past August.

Concerning the issue of energy, the Prime Minister said that Thailand has sufficient energy for domestic consumption. Although Thailand still imports oil at the original volume, Thai people have cooperated in using energy sparingly. The Government is encouraging the public to adopt more electricity, offering financial support or incentives for individuals switching from oil or natural gas to alternative and clean energy sources.

Regarding the installation of solar rooftop power generation systems, the Government provides the opportunity to feed unused excess electricity back into the state power grid and receive payment for that sold electricity, helping to reduce electricity expenses for the public and offering households long-term income-generating opportunities. If more excess electricity enters the grid, it will also help increase the power supply for the industrial sector and public enterprises. The Government has pursued this policy continuously over the past year and has received strong interest and cooperation from the public.

In his remarks on the United Nations Day, 24 October 2026, the Prime Minister stated that, today, geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and advances in technology and artificial intelligence are posing new challenges to the world and often testing the strength of the international order.

“Thailand is committed to the principles of sovereignty and equality of all countries as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international law. We believe that cooperation and universally recognized rules are fundamental to peace and sustainable development,” he said.

In addition to the reaffirmation by the Thai government to these principles at the recent 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Thailand has also elevated its role in coordinating global and regional cooperation in various fields.

The Prime Minister said, “The Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, held in Bangkok in the middle of this month to discuss future economic outlook, serve as another concrete example of such cooperation. The meetings reinforce Thailand’s readiness to serve as a bridge, by which countries can build understanding and expand cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, bilateral relations, and multilateral forums at all levels.”

Following the Second World War, countries came together to establish the United Nations with the intention of maintaining peace, preventing the world from another large-scale war, and enabling the international community to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

These purposes were the determination that led to the creation of the United Nations Charter, which entered into force on this day 81 years ago. Since then, international cooperation has led to the formulation of a number of shared rules applied by Member States, ranging from the protection of human rights, children and women, to labor rights, the law of the sea, and cooperation on the environment, education, culture, and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Narcotics Control Board at Government House on 22 October 2026, during which the medical cannabis policy was raised for discussion. The meeting also focused on measures to prevent cannabis abuse and its spread among children and youth. 

The Government attaches great importance to suppressing crime networks and the illegal cannabis trade both domestically and internationally. It supports medical research and development on cannabis for creating higher value.

In addition, the meeting approved in principle the draft Action Plan for the Prevention, Suppression, and Resolution of Drug Problems for Fiscal Year 2027 by establishing a framework of six measures:

1. Drug prevention measures;

2. Drug suppression measures;

3. Drug asset seizure measures;

4. Measures to address the problems of drug users and addicts;

5. International cooperation measures;

6. Management measures.

The Prime Minister also emphasized a comprehensive drug suppression approach by intercepting narcotics at the source and dismantling drug trafficking networks. Thailand will coordinate with neighboring countries in joint operations to tackle regional drug trafficking.

The meeting also approved in principle the draft operational plan for the six-month war on drugs, with four key measures: (1) drug interdiction and suppression, (2) rehabilitation and management of drug users and addicts, (3) legal and disciplinary actions against state officials involved in drug trafficking, and (4) provision of increased incentives for anti-drug personnel.

The Cabinet also authorized the Minister of Tourism and Sports to sign the agreement, which was jointly developed by the six GMS member nations: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

Operating as an intergovernmental organization, the GMSTO will serve as a core mechanism to work out plans, coordinate joint tourism strategies, develop tourism products and sites, promote investment, and facilitate seamless cross-border travel. It will also be responsible for strengthening public-private partnerships and collaborating with international partners.

Originally established in Thailand in 2005 as the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the office previously lacked official legal status. The draft agreement on GMSTO aims to elevate it into an international legal entity, enabling it to operate and manage cooperation more systematically. It will be housed at the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Once all six member countries have signed the draft agreement, a Host Country Agreement will be prepared to outline the details regarding privileges and operations under Thai law, which will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration once again.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said that, as the host of the GMSTO, Thailand will play a greater role as a tourism cooperation hub, connecting international tourism, increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs, and promoting regional tourism investment.