GISDA reassures public of transparency in purchase of THEOS 2 satellite

Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISDA) has reassured the public of the transparency in the purchase of the THEOS 2 Satellite, rebuffing a rumor of irregularities in the 7.8-billion-baht deal.

GISDA Director, Dr. Anond Snidvongs, defended the purchase of the new satellite, saying the deal was done in the most transparent manner and that the procurement is open to scrutiny. He pointed out that the purchase was made through the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) method, which offers an equal opportunity to all bidders. He highlighted the fact that there were multiple qualified candidates competing for the deal, adding that the agency does not favor any party.

Director Anond also said his agency voluntarily joined a campaign of the Comptroller General's Department to uphold moral codes and transparency in its operations, further cementing its stance on maintaining ethical standards.

However, he admitted that the details of the deal and the technical specification of the satellite are not publicly available but can be provided to responsible state agencies upon request.

THEOS 2 will replace Thaichote, or the original THEOS satellite, which is to be decommissioned soon. Launched into space in 2008, Thaichote is the country’s first earth observation satellite.

THEOS stands for Thailand Earth Observation Satellite.

Information and Source
Reporter : Nuppol Suvansombut
Rewriter : Thammarat Thadaphrom
National News Bureau & Public Relations : http://thainews.prd.go.th

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