Thailand

Thailand inaugurated its first national GEO communications network during 1993-1994 with the launches of Thaicom 1 (18 December 1993) and Thaicom 2 (8 October 1994) by Ariane boosters. The spacecraft, based on Hughes HS-376L series, are operated by the Shinawatra Satellite Company of Bangkok under a lease arrangement with the Thai government. Both Thaicom satellites are stationed at 78.5 degrees E with ten C-band and two Ku-band transponders. The 630-kg spacecraft have a design life of at least 13 years. However, in late 1994 Thailand was nearing selection of a foreign vendor to provide a Thaicom 3 satellite with up to 24 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders for launch as early as 1996.