GISTDA leads Thailand to host APRSAF-32 Asia-Pacific space forum, 26-30 Oct 2026, Bangkok
GISTDA, with Japan's MEXT and JAXA, is hosting the APRSAF-32 conference at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok and ICONSIAM on 26-30 October 2026.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), together with Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is hosting the 32nd Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-32) from 26 to 30 October 2026. The first part will be held at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok and the second part on the 7th floor of ICONSIAM Hall, Bangkok, under the theme Bridging the Asia-Pacific: Advancing a Trusted and Inclusive Space Future, marking the return of the event to Thailand after 16 years.
The APRSAF forum brings together space agencies, policymakers, academics, researchers and partners from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange directions for space cooperation. Dr Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of GISTDA, stated that hosting the event in Thailand connects the country to the international level, ranging from data sharing for disaster response, personnel development and joint research to the responsible and sustainable use of space, whilst providing greater opportunities for Thai people to participate than ever before.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 32nd Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-32) |
| Dates | 26-30 October 2026 |
| Venue (26-28 Oct) | Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok |
| Venue (29-30 Oct) | 7th Floor, ICONSIAM Hall, Bangkok |
| Theme | Bridging the Asia-Pacific: Advancing a Trusted and Inclusive Space Future |
| Co-hosts | GISTDA, MEXT (Japan), JAXA |
Three Key Dimensions Driving This Year's Event
The theme of APRSAF-32 rests on three key dimensions. The first dimension is connecting the Asia-Pacific with the global space community across infrastructure, data and personnel to build a system that leaves no one behind. The second dimension is trust. In an era where space has become a strategic point in global geopolitics, building mutual transparency and credibility is more important than competition.
The final dimension is inclusivity for all sectors to participate, including startups, traditional industries, educational institutions, youth and civil society. Dr Pakorn said the event features collaboration with Thailand Space Expo through a joint exhibition and discussions linking public-sector missions with commercial innovation, as well as joining forces with the Moon Village Association Symposium, which connects Earth observation and low-Earth orbit projects with lunar exploration.
Thailand's Role as a Connector on the Global Space Stage
Hosting this forum enables Thailand to play the role of a connector in policy, technology, knowledge and personnel, linking ASEAN with global space networks and connecting space technology with real development challenges, from disaster response and climate change to building future talent and research.
The outcomes of the forum are therefore not limited to exchanging views in meeting rooms, but lay the foundation for cooperation that will continue after the event concludes, both in cross-border operational standards and in developing the next generation of youth in the region. An international conference of this scale also presents an opportunity for hotels and venues in Bangkok to accommodate delegates and participants from multiple countries over the 5 days.
This news is relevant to conference and exhibition organisers tracking the direction of large-scale MICE events in Thailand, hotel and venue professionals looking to study models for accommodating regional delegates, and those interested in space technology developments and international cooperation.