Government begin legal action against top Thai firms for 1.26 billion baht over satellite concession

September 8, 2026 at 2:03 pm

in Economy , Living , Media , Politics , Thailand

Thailand has launched a last-minute ฿1.26 billion legal battle against Thaicom and Gulf Development over a satellite concession dating back 35 years. The concession originated with the Shinawatra business empire founded by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while Thaicom began as Shinawatra Satellite. The government now says six critical asset groups, including Thaicom’s 4 gateway systems, were never fully handed over. It also claims years of lost commercial income and insufficient training for National Telecom staff. Thaicom flatly rejects the case. Gulf is targeted because its 2025 merger with Intouch transferred the former Shinawatra group company’s contractual liabilities to Gulf. With a September 10 legal deadline looming, the government has authorised arbitration and court action over a handover disputed since 2021.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob drives a ฿1.26bn claim against Thaicom and Gulf over disputed satellite assets. Thaicom rejects the case. ( Source: Digital Economy and Society Ministry )

Thailand’s government has opened a ฿1.26 billion legal battle against Thaicom and Gulf Development over the former satellite concession. Cabinet authorised arbitration and/or court proceedings during its mobile meeting in Songkhla on September 1. Notably, the decision came just days before the government’s claimed five-year legal deadline.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is demanding compliance with the former concession agreement. It also seeks penalties and damages totalling ฿1,259,324,477.85. However, that figure remains a government claim. No court or arbitration panel has ordered either company to pay it.

Thaicom has firmly rejected the government’s position. The company says every asset required under the concession was transferred in September 2021. By contrast, the ministry says six significant categories of property remained outside the handover. Officials also say National Telecom personnel received insufficient practical training.

Satellite dispute centres on six asset categories, gateway systems and incomplete state training

The dispute therefore has two central strands. One concerns satellite equipment, control systems and associated infrastructure. Separately, the government says the state lacked the operational capability promised under the concession.

At the centre are Thaicom 4 and Thaicom 6. Both satellites themselves passed into state control after the concession expired. Accordingly, the dispute does not principally concern ownership of the satellites.

Instead, the government says several systems needed to operate them should also have been transferred. Those include backup controls, transmission equipment and Thaicom 4’s gateway infrastructure. The state also claims parts of the satellite station at Lat Lum Kaeo in Pathum Thani.

The gateway issue is particularly significant. Thaicom 4, historically known as IPSTAR, was designed as a broadband communications satellite. Its system used focused spot beams connecting satellite users with terrestrial gateways.

According to the ministry, Thailand has one relevant spot beam serving gateway communications originating inside the country. Crucially, officials say that beam cannot simply be redirected through a foreign gateway. They also say it cannot operate through two gateways simultaneously.

Government says missing Thaicom 4 gateway drove large daily losses and much of its ฿1.26 billion claim

As a result, the government considers the Thai gateway an essential part of the Thaicom 4 operating system. That interpretation also drives a substantial part of its damages claim.

The ministry is not simply placing a price on antennas, electronics and control equipment. Rather, it claims years of lost commercial opportunities after the concession ended. Cabinet material calculates those losses at ฿456,150 for every day without the Thaicom 4 gateway.

In addition, officials calculate ฿8,757.50 daily for lost use of the relevant operating space. Over several years, those amounts became substantial. Thus, the claim eventually reached almost ฿1.26 billion.

Gulf has told analysts that the disputed physical assets are worth roughly ฿300 million. Most of the claim therefore comes from other elements. These include interest, lost opportunities and other damages asserted by the government.

The government’s case identifies six categories of disputed property. First, officials are claiming the backup satellite-control system for Thaicom 4. They argue such emergency capability is necessary under international operating standards.

As part of this argument, the ministry points to 19 equipment items already associated with Thaicom 4’s backup arrangements. The equipment forms part of the satellite’s radio-frequency control system. Government officials therefore consider the broader backup system essential concession infrastructure.

State says backup systems, uplink equipment and Thaicom 4 gateway all fell under concession terms

The ministry also says the issue was not newly discovered after expiry. In 2016, it contacted Thaicom concerning the satellite ground station at Lat Lum Kaeo. Officials now rely on that history when arguing the backup system fell under the concession.

Second, the state demands Thaicom 4 uplink and downlink transmission equipment. These systems connect user terminals, the satellite and its terrestrial gateway infrastructure. Uplink equipment sends signals towards the satellite. Downlink equipment carries signals back to terrestrial systems.

More importantly, officials say the equipment was specially designed around Thaicom 4’s broadband operations. The ministry therefore considers it part of the system covered by the concession.

Third, the government claims Thaicom 4’s gateway equipment and system. This is the most commercially important component of the present dispute. The gateway connected the satellite with other communications networks.

In technical terms, Thaicom 4 communicated with the gateway through a dedicated gateway beam. Meanwhile, user traffic was carried through geographically targeted spot beams. The government says those technical arrangements limited alternative operating choices.

Officials say Thailand’s gateway beam could not be replaced overseas as wider asset claims expanded

Specifically, officials say Thailand has only one spot beam for signals involving its domestic gateway. They say that spot beam cannot serve two gateways at once. Nor, they contend, can an overseas gateway simply replace the Thai system.

For that reason, the ministry classifies the gateway as crucial infrastructure under the concession. The state’s large opportunity-loss calculation flows directly from that position.

Fourth, the government claims 19 pieces of Thaicom 4 equipment linked to its backup radio-frequency control system. Those items formed part of emergency operating arrangements. Officials therefore treat them as required satellite-control infrastructure.

Fifth, the state is demanding the backup satellite-control system for Thaicom 6. Again, the ministry relies on the need for emergency backup capability. It considers such systems necessary under international operating standards.

Sixth, officials claim part of the Thaicom satellite station at Lat Lum Kaeo in Pathum Thani. The government does not claim every part of the facility. Instead, it seeks areas considered necessary for Thaicom 4 and Thaicom 6 operations.

Lat Lum Kaeo station joins dispute as Thaicom rejects state interpretation of six concession assets

The station has particular importance because it houses backup satellite-control infrastructure. It also contains equipment connected with the Thaicom 4 gateway system. Consequently, the government treats the site as part of the broader operational network.

Thaicom disputes the entire interpretation. It says those six additional categories do not fall within the concession’s transfer obligations. The company also says it repeatedly explained that position to the ministry.

The dispute reaches back 35 years. On June 4, 1991, Cabinet approved the domestic communications satellite programme as a “National Project.” At the time, the Ministry of Transport represented the Thai government.

Cabinet authorised the ministry to implement the project and sign a concession agreement. The agreement had already undergone review by the Office of the Attorney General.

On September 11, 1991, the Ministry of Transport signed the 30-year concession. Its counterparty was Shinawatra Computer and Communications. That corporate line later became associated with Intouch Holdings.

1991 national satellite concession created transfer duties now at centre of the government dispute

Meanwhile, Shinawatra Satellite was established to provide services under the concession. It later became Shin Satellite. Eventually, the company adopted its present name, Thaicom Public Company Limited.

Under the arrangement, the private operator built, launched and operated communications satellites. In return, it made concession payments to the government. Those payments were tied to gross transponder revenue or specified minimum amounts.

More significantly for today’s dispute, the concession contained asset-transfer obligations. Satellites, control infrastructure and related equipment were subject to state ownership provisions. Exactly how far those provisions extended is now contested.

The concession expired on September 10, 2021. Thaicom then transferred assets under the agreement. Those included Thaicom 4 and Thaicom 6.

On October 1, 2021, the ministry formally acknowledged taking possession of the transferred property. Yet its acceptance was qualified. The government expressly reserved its rights to demand further assets.

Its letter stated that “if a subsequent audit reveals additional assets” covered by the concession, they could still be claimed. The ministry therefore did not treat the October acceptance as a final release.

Qualified 2021 handover reserved state rights to claim more assets after later concession audits

That reservation is now pivotal. Thaicom says it correctly transferred everything required under the agreement. In response, the government says its acceptance explicitly preserved later claims.

The matter was already under investigation before the concession formally ended. On September 9, 2021, then Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed an investigative committee. That was one day before the concession’s expiry date.

The committee examined the implementation of the satellite concession and related legal arrangements. It also reviewed the agreement’s history and previous government decisions. Furthermore, it examined whether contractual obligations had been completed.

By December 2021, two significant issues had emerged. The first concerned training for government personnel after the concession. The second involved uplink, downlink and gateway equipment.

On December 7, the committee sent its findings and recommendations to the ministry. Subsequently, the ministry provided its clarification to Prayut on January 13, 2022.

Prayut-era investigation identified training failures and disputed gateway equipment before handover

The dispute then continued through the government system. On March 21, 2023, Cabinet formally acknowledged the investigative findings. It also instructed the ministry and National Telecom to pursue relevant recommendations.

Those recommendations were extensive. They included obtaining control stations and uplink equipment. Downlink systems and gateway infrastructure were also specifically included.

Importantly, the recommendations extended to primary and backup equipment. The government therefore adopted a wider interpretation of the concession’s transfer requirements.

At the same time, officials turned to the training issue. National Telecom needed staff capable of operating the satellites independently. The ministry’s review concluded that this had not happened.

The concession contained provisions covering staff training if the contract was not renewed. According to the government, however, the original training remained incomplete.

Specifically, officials say National Telecom personnel did not receive sufficient on-the-job instruction alongside Thaicom staff. The committee also found they could not perform Thaicom’s former duties independently.

Cabinet widened asset-transfer demands and found National Telecom staff lacked practical training

Accordingly, officials called for a second round of training. This point adds a significant operational element to the dispute. The state’s complaint extends beyond ownership of physical assets.

In effect, the government says it received satellites without the complete systems and expertise needed for independent operation. Thaicom rejects that characterisation and says it fulfilled its obligations.

There is also a significant counter-dispute. When the concession expired, National Telecom was not yet ready to operate everything independently. The ministry therefore asked Thaicom to continue supporting the transferred satellites.

Thaicom agreed to assist. According to its corporate filings, the initial support period ran from September 11 to October 15, 2021. National Telecom was expected to bear costs of up to ฿20 million.

Afterwards, National Telecom still required assistance. Thaicom consequently continued providing support beyond the initial period.

On another front, a payment dispute then emerged. Thaicom says National Telecom failed to pay invoices for the continued services. The company subsequently took legal action against the ministry and National Telecom.

Government training claims collide with Thaicom support work and unpaid post-concession invoices

In August 2022, Thaicom sought ฿150.24 million plus interest. Then, in July 2023, it filed another case seeking ฿162.56 million plus interest.

Those cases are separate from the government’s latest ฿1.259 billion demand. Even so, they illuminate the sharply different accounts of the handover.

The government says Thaicom failed to deliver every required component. It also says government staff were left without sufficient practical training. Thaicom, however, says it fulfilled the concession and continued assisting afterwards.

Moreover, Thaicom says the state failed to pay for some post-concession support. The disagreement therefore covers both sides of the September 2021 transition.

The latest government action has been driven by time. The ministry says its five-year limitation period expires on September 10, 2026. That interpretation leaves almost no margin for further delay.

Officials cite Section 51 governing disputes before the Administrative Court. Relevant cases generally must begin within five years after the claimant knows the cause of action. A separate ten-year outer period also applies.

Thaicom counterclaims expose competing accounts as five-year legal deadline closes on September 10

For this dispute, the ministry counts the five years from the concession’s expiry. It therefore calculates the final deadline as September 10, 2026.

The timetable became especially tight during late August. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyanok Chidchob signed an urgent Cabinet submission on August 28. Cabinet then approved legal action on September 1.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney General was already preparing formal proceedings. Prosecutors had set September 3 as the deadline for submitting the dispute documents.

The claimed damages were also calculated up to that filing stage. A ministry-appointed committee eventually assessed the total at ฿1,259,324,477.85.

Before proceedings could begin, however, officials considered Cabinet authorisation essential. That procedural issue arises from the satellite programme’s status as a National Project.

The Ministry of Transport originally signed the concession for the government. Its responsibilities later moved to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. They eventually transferred it to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

The Attorney General’s Office had also identified a possible legal standing problem. It referred to Supreme Court Judgment No. 988/2558 involving the Department of Highways.

Cabinet races against September deadline after ministry fixes claim at ฿1.259 billion before filing

In that case, the Supreme Court dismissed proceedings over the plaintiff’s standing to sue. The satellite ministry therefore sought explicit Cabinet authority before proceeding.

The government papers say this was necessary to avoid damaging its own case. Consequently, Cabinet formally authorised the ministry to act for the government.

It can now pursue arbitration proceedings. Where necessary, it can also proceed through the courts.

Nevertheless, Cabinet has not ruled on Thaicom’s liability. Nor has it decided whether the six assets fell within the concession. Those questions remain unresolved.

Thaicom issued its formal clarification on September 7. The company says all required concession assets were transferred on September 11, 2021.

It also says the six additional categories demanded by the ministry were outside the transfer obligation. Additionally, Thaicom says it complied fully with its other contractual and legal duties.

As things stand, therefore, Thaicom says there is no legal obligation to pay the government’s ฿1.259 billion demand. If arbitration starts, the company says it will defend its position.

Cabinet authority clears standing hurdle while Thaicom rejects liability for the six disputed assets

Gulf’s presence in the case requires separate explanation. The current Gulf group was not running Thailand’s satellite concession in 1991.

The original private counterparty was Shinawatra Computer and Communications. That corporate entity eventually developed into Intouch Holdings.

Decades later, Gulf Energy Development acquired control of Intouch and Thaicom. Then, on April 1, 2025, Gulf Energy Development and Intouch completed a merger.

The combined company became Gulf Development Public Company Limited. Under that merger, Gulf inherited Intouch’s assets, liabilities, rights and obligations.

Hence, Gulf now appears as a respondent in a dispute rooted in a 1991 contract. Gulf also owns approximately 41.5% of Thaicom.

The government’s case therefore spans several generations of Thai corporate restructuring. Yet the central contractual dispute remains narrow.

The state must establish that its six disputed asset categories were covered by the concession. It must also support its claim concerning deficient staff training.

Gulf inherited Intouch obligations through 2025 merger and now faces a claim rooted in 1991 concession

Thaicom disputes both positions. In particular, it rejects the government’s interpretation of the transfer provisions.

The damages question may prove equally important. The state argues that losing access to the Thaicom 4 gateway restricted commercial exploitation of the satellite.

Its calculation therefore goes far beyond the physical value of equipment. The government claims ฿456,150 each day in lost broadband business opportunities.

Separately, it adds ฿8,757.50 daily for lost use of related space. Those running losses account for much of the eventual ฿1.259 billion demand.

Gulf’s estimate puts the physical assets at only around ฿300 million. Thus, the biggest financial issue is not simply who owns the equipment.

Instead, the dispute reaches into claimed lost revenue, interest and commercial use. It also concerns whether the state received a fully workable satellite system.

The case has been developing since the final days of Prayut’s government concession oversight. It continued through investigations, Cabinet instructions and competing lawsuits.

Gateway damages dominate claim as state seeks lost income, interest and full operational capability

Now, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the government has authorised formal action. The move came nine days before the ministry’s claimed limitation deadline.

Cabinet acted on September 1. Prosecutors prepared the submission for September 3. The ministry says the five-year period ends on September 10.

After 35 years, the original concession has therefore produced another major legal confrontation. Yet the latest case concerns unfinished business from its final handover.

The government says six asset categories remained outstanding. It also says National Telecom lacked sufficient operational training.

Thaicom says it transferred everything the contract required. In parallel, it says it continued supporting the state after the concession ended. Gulf faces the claim because it inherited Intouch’s contractual position through the 2025 merger. Its connection to the dispute therefore rests on corporate succession.

For now, the government’s ฿1,259,324,477.85 figure remains a contested claim. It is not an established debt.

What has changed is the procedural position. Cabinet has now authorised the government to take the dispute into arbitration and the courts. Five years after the concession expired, the handover remains unsettled. The next legal stage will test the meaning of the 1991 agreement.

Paying AI users in Thailand had a nightmare week online just as the government waded into the market

People’s Party firebrand attacks flagship TH AI project launched this week with corruption agency filing of claims

Thais take to government TH AI project on the first day with ChatGPT reporting outages later on Monday

TH AI Passport artificial intelligence to go live on August 28th with strong public demand says Minister

Democrat Party deputy leader renews attacks on the TH-AI passport project as the minister pushes ahead

Thai workers are now World leaders for AI use. More than double the global average. Firms must wise up

Democrat Party Deputy Leader reveals flaws in the TH-AI Passport plan and calls on Minister to abort it

Abhisit Vejjajiva calls for scrutiny of flagship AI project being pursued by Digital Economy ministry

Opposition and Prime Minister highlight corruption which is damaging the kingdom’s credibility abroad

Transport Minister orders report on bribery allegations in the US relating to junkets and Massage Parlours

Supreme Court Chief sets up panel to investigate bribery claims linked to ฿11 billion tax appeal by Toyota

Ministry fails to halt ฿25.4 billion payment order to Hong Kong based firm linked to 1990 contract

Microsoft accepts charges of corrupt payments in Thailand as it makes a deal with US investigators

Provincial agency boss arrested in Mukdahan after trying to extort ฿2 million from a businessman

Joseph Anthony is an expat from Ireland who has lived in Thailand for the last decade. He has worked extensively in the media including editorial positions in Ireland and Thailand. He is focused on economic and business stories in Thailand as well as the expat lifestyle.

All posts by Joseph O' Connor

Widening Chinese trade gap cannot be ignored as it distorts economic data of an underlying GDP struggle September 4, 2026 Thai-Chinese businesses raise the alarm as

Fears grow for 33 year old single mother who is missing from her Kanchanaburi home since Friday August 28 September 4, 2026 Missing mother Ms Wichuda, 33, disappears after CCTV

Boss heir free to return to Thailand next year unless he gives himself up or is arrested by Interpol abroad September 4, 2026 The clock is running out on Red Bull heir Vorayuth

Defence Minister halts his cavalcade to assist injured after spotting a road traffic accident in Bangkok September 3, 2026 A Bangkok road crash stops Defence Minister Adul

64 year old German on the run in Thailand since 2024 hunted down and arrested by police in Mae Hong Son September 3, 2026 A three-year hunt ends at a Mae Hong Son guesthouse as

Cash is the name of game as the US Navy returns to its old Pattaya stomping ground in a 4 day city boost September 3, 2026 Mobile ATMs roll into Pattaya as 5,000 US sailors hit

Thai wife’s nose smelt out her husband’s infidelity and proved it in court to finalise ‘smelly underwear’ case September 2, 2026 Wife sniffs out her husband’s adultery after perfume

Stock market 2026 recovery not built on a sound footing. Depends on foreign capital and one company September 2, 2026 Bangkok’s stock market roared back 26% after three

New visa regime hits Western visitors and expats in Thailand hard with shorter stays and long haul trips September 1, 2026 Thailand’s new visa squeeze halves tourist stays to

Thais take to government TH AI project on the first day with ChatGPT reporting outages later on Monday September 1, 2026 More than 1.36 million Thais register for the TH-AI

Devastating tragedy in Bangkok as pregnant teacher takes her life after paternity fight with boyfriend September 1, 2026 A customer finds a pregnant Bangkok teacher dead

Thailand’s stiff restrictions on small foreign investors a significant problem for its daring OECD aspirations August 31, 2026 Thailand chases OECD membership by 2028 while

Travel Blogger claims he was accosted by cocaine hucksters in broad daylight on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit August 31, 2026 Sukhumvit’s cocaine hucksters approach a travel

Business tenants of Bangkok’s Khlong Thom Centre wiped out after decades of work went up in flames August 31, 2026 Generations of family enterprise go up in flames as

Thailand wins Asian Women’s Volleyball title for the third time in a thrilling win over China on Sunday August 30, 2026 Thailand’s volleyball queens conquer China 3-2 on

PM Anutin raises questions about Tuesday’s Songkhla cabinet meeting after renewed insurgency violence August 30, 2026 Pattani gunmen storm Global House, clear shoppers,

Underage woman ran up 60,000 baht tab at host bar after pursuing a man. Bill paid by shaving her hair August 30, 2026 A Bangkok host-bar manager shaves an 18-year-old

Malaysian online gambling boss arrested in Bangkok raid. 48 year old was a UFA network Master agent September 4, 2026

Crazed ex lover rams former girlfriend and her new boyfriend on a motorbike to their death with pickup September 4, 2026

Blunder over Indian visa policy saw Thailand lose tourists in August. Quick volte face to a 30 day visa September 4, 2026

Data centre projects on hold in Bangkok as officials scramble to examine the impact of the industry on resources September 3, 2026

HIV and AIDS still lurk behind the neon signs of Thailand’s sex industry especially as it moves online September 3, 2026

Younger brother kills sibling after finding him drinking as their mother fought for life in hospital September 3, 2026

Former PM Paetongtarn files police complaint over false social media post linking her with Israeli land September 2, 2026

People’s Party firebrand attacks flagship TH AI project launched this week with corruption agency filing of claims September 2, 2026

The boys are back in town. US servicemen return to Pattaya, a town they helped create, for wartime R&R September 2, 2026

Pot shop worker attacks UK man on his motorbike over 29,200 baht fraud on Monday in broad daylight September 1, 2026

Woman in northern Thailand builds thriving concern farming and selling live cockroaches for fishing in nearby rivers September 1, 2026

Pattaya police probe a nightclub shooting on the city’s Southside in the early hours of Monday morning August 31, 2026

Anutin begins week with twin economic headaches as car makers and rail consortium threaten to walk August 31, 2026

American man arrested in Phuket on US state and federal warrants relating to sexual abuse of minors at home August 31, 2026

Bangkok storm’s nightlife charts to be crowned the World’s number one and the most visited city on earth August 30, 2026

Pattaya police operation targets street sex workers ahead of expected arrival of US sailors on Wednesday August 30, 2026

Thailand approaches a seminal moment in politics as Senate collusion case decision set for September 14 August 30, 2026

Thailand’s America’s Got Talent star returned home on Friday ahead of her September date with destiny August 30, 2026

Myanmar authorities remain tight lipped over death of US diplomat in May and his jailed Thai partner August 29, 2026

New face of Thailand’s Tourism Police. Minister visits HQ and speaks of a new era of high tech security August 29, 2026

Police respond within 10 minutes to drunk foreign tourist attacking and breaking into ATM for lost card August 29, 2026

Huge fire in central Bangkok at a major electronics retail centre. Governor Chadchart was on the scene August 29, 2026

© 2026 Thai Examiner. All rights reserved.

2026年9月8日下午2:03

经济、生活、媒体、政治、泰国

泰国政府在最后一刻对泰信电信（Thaicom）和海湾发展公司（Gulf Development）发起了一场价值12.6亿泰铢的法律诉讼，起因是一项已有35年历史的卫星特许经营权。该特许经营权最初由前总理他信·西那瓦创立的西那瓦商业帝国持有，而泰信电信的前身是西那瓦卫星公司（Shinawatra Satellite）。泰国政府现在声称，包括泰信电信的4个网关系统在内的六项关键资产从未完全移交。政府还声称，多年来商业收入损失以及国家电信员工培训不足。泰信电信断然否认了这一指控。海湾发展公司之所以成为被告，是因为其在2025年与Intouch的合并将原西那瓦集团公司的合同责任转移给了海湾发展公司。由于9月10日的法律期限临近，泰国政府已授权就这项自2021年以来就存在争议的移交事宜提起仲裁和诉讼。

数字经济与社会部长猜占诺·奇乔布(Chaichanok Chidchob)就争议卫星资产向泰国电信(Thaicom)和海湾石油公司(Gulf)提起12.6亿泰铢的索赔。泰国电信否认了这一诉讼。（来源：数字经济与社会部）

泰国政府已就前卫星特许经营权问题，对泰国通信公司（Thaicom）和海湾发展公司（Gulf Development）提起12.6亿泰铢的法律诉讼。9月1日，内阁在宋卡府召开的流动会议上授权启动仲裁和/或诉讼程序。值得注意的是，该决定是在政府声称的五年法律期限前几天做出的。

数字经济与社会部要求对方遵守之前的特许经营协议，并寻求总计1,259,324,477.85泰铢的罚款和赔偿。然而，该金额目前仍属于政府索赔，没有任何法院或仲裁机构命令任何一家公司支付该款项。

泰信公司坚决否认政府的立场。该公司表示，特许经营协议项下所需的所有资产已于2021年9月全部移交完毕。与之相反，电信部则表示，仍有六类重要资产未在移交范围内。官员们还指出，国家电信公司员工接受的实际操作培训不足。

卫星争端中心涉及六类资产、网关系统和不完整的国家培训。

因此，这场争端主要有两个方面。一方面涉及卫星设备、控制系统及相关基础设施。另一方面，政府称该州缺乏特许经营协议中承诺的运行能力。

争议的核心是Thaicom 4和Thaicom 6卫星。这两颗卫星在特许经营期满后均已转入国家控制。因此，此次争议的焦点并非卫星的所有权。

政府方面表示，运行这些卫星所需的多个系统也应该一并移交，包括备用控制系统、传输设备以及Thaicom 4的网关基础设施。此外，政府还声称对位于巴吞他尼府拉伦凯奥的卫星站部分区域拥有所有权。

网关问题尤为重要。Thaicom 4（前身为 IPSTAR）被设计为宽带通信卫星。其系统采用聚焦波束将卫星用户与地面网关连接起来。

据泰国通信部称，泰国目前拥有一个用于处理境内网关通信的相关点波束。至关重要的是，官员们表示，该波束不能简单地通过境外网关进行重定向，也不能同时通过两个网关运行。

政府表示，Thaicom 4网关的缺失导致了巨额每日损失，并造成了其12.6亿泰铢索赔中的大部分损失。

因此，泰国政府认为泰国网关是Thaicom 4操作系统的重要组成部分。这一解释也构成了其损害赔偿请求的主要依据。

该部并非仅仅对天线、电子设备和控制设备进行估价，而是声称特许经营权结束后，多年来错失了商业机会。内阁文件计算得出，如果没有Thaicom 4网关，每天的损失将达到456,150泰铢。

此外，官员们还计算出，因占用相关营业场所而造成的每日损失为8,757.50泰铢。数年下来，这些金额相当可观。因此，索赔金额最终达到了近12.6亿泰铢。

海湾石油公司向分析师表示，争议实物资产价值约为3亿泰铢。因此，大部分索赔金额来自其他方面，包括利息、机会损失以及政府提出的其他损害赔偿。

政府的诉讼列出了六类争议财产。首先，官员们声称拥有Thaicom 4卫星的备用卫星控制系统。他们认为，根据国际操作标准，这种应急能力是必要的。

作为论证的一部分，该部指出，泰科四号卫星的备份方案中已包含19件设备。这些设备构成卫星射频控制系统的一部分。因此，政府官员认为，更广泛的备份系统是特许经营基础设施的重要组成部分。

泰国政府表示，备用系统、上行链路设备和Thaicom 4网关均属于特许经营条款的范畴。

该部还表示，这个问题并非在特许经营期满后才发现。早在2016年，该部就曾就拉伦凯奥卫星地面站的问题联系过泰康公司。如今，官员们在论证备用系统属于特许经营范围时，正是依据这一历史记录。

其次，政府要求提供Thaicom 4上行链路和下行链路传输设备。这些系统连接用户终端、卫星及其地面网关基础设施。上行链路设备向卫星发送信号，下行链路设备将信号传回地面系统。

更重要的是，官员们表示，这套设备是专门为Thaicom 4的宽带业务设计的。因此，该部认为它是特许经营权所涵盖系统的一部分。

第三，政府声称拥有Thaicom 4卫星的网关设备和系统。这是本次争议中最具商业价值的部分。该网关将卫星与其他通信网络连接起来。

从技术角度来看，Thaicom 4 通过专用网关波束与网关通信。同时，用户流量则通过地理位置定向的点波束传输。政府表示，这些技术安排限制了其他可行的运行方案。

官员表示，随着资产索赔范围扩大，泰国的门户光束无法在海外得到替代。

具体而言，官员们表示，泰国只有一个用于国内网关信号的点波束。他们说，该点波束无法同时服务于两个网关。他们还指出，海外网关也不能简单地取代泰国的系统。

因此，该部委将该门户道路列为特许经营权下的关键基础设施。国家对巨大机会损失的评估也直接源于此。

第四，政府声称拥有19件与备用射频控制系统相连的Thaicom 4设备。这些设备是应急运行方案的一部分。因此，官员们将它们视为必要的卫星控制基础设施。

第五，政府要求为Thaicom 6卫星配备备用卫星控制系统。该部再次强调了应急备用能力的必要性，并认为此类系统符合国际运行标准。

第六，官方声称对位于巴吞他尼府拉伦凯奥的泰康卫星站部分区域拥有主权。政府并未声称对该设施的全部区域拥有主权，而是寻求对泰康4号和泰康6号卫星运行所必需的区域拥有主权。

Lat Lum Kaeo 站加入争议，Thaicom 拒绝接受政府对六项特许经营资产的解释。

该站点意义重大，因为它容纳了备用卫星控制基础设施，还包含与泰网4号网关系统相连的设备。因此，政府将该站点视为更广泛的运行网络的一部分。

Thaicom公司对上述解释提出异议。该公司表示，新增的六类条款不属于特许经营权转让义务的范畴。该公司还表示，已多次向该部委解释过这一立场。

这场争端可以追溯到35年前。1991年6月4日，内阁批准了国内通信卫星计划，并将其列为“国家项目”。当时，交通部代表泰国政府负责该项目。

内阁授权该部委实施该项目并签署特许经营协议。该协议此前已由总检察长办公室审查通过。

1991年9月11日，交通运输部签署了为期30年的特许经营协议。其交易对手是西那瓦计算机通讯公司。该公司后来与英拓控股公司合并。

1991年国家卫星特许经营协议产生的转让税如今成为政府争端的焦点。

与此同时，为了提供特许经营服务，成立了西那瓦卫星公司（Shinawatra Satellite）。该公司后来更名为新卫星公司（Shin Satellite）。最终，公司采用了现在的名称：泰康公共有限公司（Thaicom Public Company Limited）。

根据这项协议，这家私营运营商负责建造、发射和运营通信卫星。作为回报，它向政府支付特许经营费。这些费用与转发器总收入或规定的最低金额挂钩。

更重要的是，就今天的争端而言，该特许权协议包含资产转移义务。卫星、控制基础设施及相关设备均受国家所有权条款约束。这些条款的具体范围目前尚存争议。

该特许经营权于2021年9月10日到期。随后，Thaicom根据协议转让了资产，其中包括Thaicom 4和Thaicom 6。

2021年10月1日，该部正式承认已接收移交的财产。但其承认附带条件。政府明确保留要求接收更多资产的权利。

信中指出，“如果后续审计发现特许经营权涵盖的其他资产”，仍可提出索赔。因此，该部并未将10月份的验收视为最终放款。

符合条件的2021年移交协议保留了国家在后续特许经营审计后索取更多资产的权利。

该项保留条款如今至关重要。泰网公司表示，已按协议规定正确转移了所有必要信息。对此，政府回应称，其接受协议明确保留了日后提出索赔的权利。

在特许经营权正式终止之前，此事就已经开始调查。2021年9月9日，时任总理巴育·占奥差任命了一个调查委员会。当时距离特许经营权到期日仅剩一天。

委员会审查了卫星特许经营权的执行情况及相关法律安排，回顾了该协议的历史和政府此前的决定，并审查了合同义务是否已履行完毕。

到2021年12月，出现了两个重大问题。第一个问题是特许经营权授予后政府人员的培训。第二个问题涉及上行链路、下行链路和网关设备。

12月7日，委员会将调查结果和建议提交给了该部。随后，该部于2022年1月13日向巴育总理作出了澄清说明。

巴育时代的调查发现，在移交之前存在培训失误和有争议的网关设备问题。

随后，这场纠纷在政府系统内持续发酵。2023年3月21日，内阁正式确认了调查结果，并指示相关部委和国家电信公司落实相关建议。

这些建议内容广泛，包括购置控制站和上行链路设备，下行链路系统和网关基础设施也特别列入其中。

值得注意的是，这些建议涵盖了主设备和备用设备。因此，政府对特许经营权的转让要求作出了更广泛的解释。

与此同时，官员们开始关注培训问题。国家电信公司需要能够独立操作卫星的人员。该部的审查结论是，这种情况并未发生。

该特许经营协议包含有关合同未续签时员工培训的条款。然而，据政府称，最初的培训并未完成。

具体而言，官员们表示，国家电信公司（National Telecom）的员工没有与泰信公司（Thaicom）的员工一起接受足够的在职培训。委员会还发现，他们无法独立履行泰信公司之前的职责。

内阁扩大了资产转移要求，并发现国家电信公司员工缺乏实践培训。

因此，官员们要求进行第二轮培训。这一点为这场争端增添了一个重要的操作层面。该州的诉求不仅限于有形资产的所有权。

实际上，泰国政府声称其接收的卫星缺乏独立运行所需的完整系统和专业技术。泰国通信公司否认了这种说法，并表示已履行了其义务。

此外，还存在一个重大的反诉。特许经营权到期时，国家电信公司尚未做好独立运营所有业务的准备。因此，电信部要求泰信公司继续为已移交的卫星提供支持。

Thaicom同意提供协助。根据其公司文件，最初的援助期从2021年9月11日至10月15日。国家电信预计将承担高达2000万泰铢的费用。

此后，国家电信仍需协助。因此，泰信公司在最初支持期结束后继续提供支持。

另一方面，随后又出现了付款纠纷。Thaicom公司称，国家电信公司未能支付后续服务的账单。该公司随后对泰国电信部和国家电信公司提起诉讼。

政府培训费用与泰康支持工作费用和特许经营后未付账款发生冲突

2022年8月，Thaicom公司索赔1.5024亿泰铢外加利息。随后，在2023年7月，该公司又提起诉讼，索赔1.6256亿泰铢外加利息。

这些案件与政府最近提出的12.59亿泰铢的索赔要求无关。即便如此，它们也揭示了各方对权力交接的不同说法。

政府称泰康公司未能交付所有必需部件，并表示政府工作人员缺乏足够的实践培训。然而，泰康公司则表示已履行了特许经营义务，并在之后继续提供协助。

此外，泰网方面表示，政府未能支付部分特许经营权转让后的支持费用。因此，双方的分歧涵盖了2021年9月过渡期的双方。

政府此次行动完全是出于时间考虑。该部门表示，五年诉讼时效将于2026年9月10日到期。这种解释几乎没有留下任何拖延的余地。

官员们援引了管辖行政法院争议的第51条规定。相关案件通常必须在索赔人知悉诉讼事由之日起五年内提起。此外，还适用一项单独的十年期限。

Thaicom的反诉揭露了竞争对手的账户，而五年法律期限已于9月10日到期。

对于此次争议，该部以特许经营权到期后的五年为期限计算。因此，最终期限被确定为2026年9月10日。

8月下旬，时间变得尤为紧迫。数字经济和社会部长柴亚诺·奇乔布于8月28日签署了一份紧急内阁文件。内阁随后于9月1日批准了法律行动。

与此同时，总检察长办公室已开始准备正式诉讼程序。检察官将9月3日定为提交争议文件的最后期限。

索赔金额也计算到了提交索赔申请的阶段。一个由政府部门任命的委员会最终评估得出总额为1,259,324,477.85泰铢。

然而，在正式启动相关程序之前，官员们认为必须获得内阁授权。这一程序性问题源于该卫星项目作为国家项目的特殊地位。

交通运输部最初代表政府签署了特许经营协议。后来，其职责移交给了信息通信技术部。最终，信息通信技术部又将其移交给了数字经济和社会部。

总检察长办公室还发现了一个可能的法律地位问题。它提到了最高法院第988/2015号判决，该判决涉及公路部门。

内阁争分夺秒，赶在9月最后期限前提交申请，此前该部已将索赔金额定为12.59亿泰铢。

在这种情况下，最高法院驳回了原告的诉讼资格质疑。因此，该卫星部在继续推进之前，寻求了内阁的明确授权。

政府文件称，此举是为了避免损害自身利益。因此，内阁正式授权该部代表政府行事。

它现在可以启动仲裁程序。如有必要，也可以通过法院诉讼。

然而，内阁尚未就泰讯公司的责任作出裁决，也未决定这六项资产是否属于特许经营范围。这些问题仍悬而未决。

Thaicom 于 9 月 7 日发布了正式澄清声明。该公司表示，所有必要的特许经营资产已于 2021 年 9 月 11 日完成移交。

该公司还表示，该部要求的另外六类数据不在转让义务范围内。此外，泰网公司称其已完全履行其他合同和法律义务。

因此，就目前情况而言，泰网表示没有法律义务支付政府提出的12.59亿泰铢的赔偿要求。该公司表示，如果仲裁程序启动，将捍卫自身立场。

内阁批准了现有障碍，而泰媒则否认对六项争议资产承担责任。

海湾石油公司在此案中的出现需要另行解释。目前的海湾石油集团在1991年并未运营泰国的卫星特许经营权。

最初的私人交易对手是西那瓦计算机通信公司。该公司最终发展成为英拓控股。

数十年后，海湾能源开发公司收购了Intouch和Thaicom的控股权。随后，在2025年4月1日，海湾能源开发公司和Intouch完成了合并。

合并后的公司更名为海湾发展公共有限公司。根据此次合并，海湾公司继承了Intouch公司的资产、负债、权利和义务。

因此，Gulf公司现在作为被告出现在这起源于1991年合同的纠纷中。Gulf公司还持有Thaicom公司约41.5%的股份。

因此，政府的诉讼涉及泰国企业数代重组的历史。然而，核心的合同纠纷仍然十分狭窄。

州政府必须证明其六类争议资产均在特许经营协议范围内。此外，州政府还必须提供证据支持其关于员工培训不足的说法。

Gulf公司通过2025年的合并继承了Intouch公司的义务，现在面临着一项源于1991年特许经营权的索赔。

Thaicom对上述两种立场均提出异议。尤其反对政府对转让条款的解释。

损害赔偿问题可能同样重要。泰国政府辩称，失去对Thaicom 4网关的访问权限限制了该卫星的商业开发利用。

因此，其计算远远超出了设备的物理价值。政府声称，每天因宽带业务机会损失而造成的损失高达456,150泰铢。

此外，由于相关空间使用损失，每日还需额外支付 8,757.50 泰铢。这些持续损失占最终 12.59 亿泰铢需求的大部分。

Gulf公司估计，这些实物资产的价值仅约为3亿泰铢。因此，最大的财务问题并非仅仅是设备的归属权问题。

相反，争议的焦点在于所声称的收入损失、利息损失和商业用途损失。此外，争议还涉及该州是否获得了完全可用的卫星系统。

此案自巴育政府卸任前夕开始发展，历经调查、内阁指示和相互冲突的诉讼。

州政府寻求赔偿收入损失、利息和全部运营能力损失，门户网站损害赔偿是索赔的主要部分。

现在，在总理阿努廷·查恩维拉库尔的领导下，政府已授权采取正式行动。此举比该部声称的时效期限提前了九天。

内阁于9月1日采取行动。检察官准备了提交给检察官的申请，截止日期为9月3日。司法部表示，五年期限将于9月10日结束。

35年后，最初的特许经营权再次引发了一场重大的法律纠纷。然而，最新的案件涉及的是最终移交后遗留的未决事项。

政府表示，仍有六类资产尚未收回。政府还表示，国家电信公司缺乏足够的运营培训。

Thaicom表示已按合同要求转移了所有资产。同时，该公司表示，特许经营权结束后，它仍在继续为泰国政府提供支持。Gulf之所以面临索赔，是因为它通过2025年的合并继承了Intouch的合同地位。因此，它与此次纠纷的关联在于公司继承问题。

目前，政府提出的1,259,324,477.85泰铢的数额仍存在争议，并非已确定的债务。

改变的是程序立场。内阁现已授权政府将争端提交仲裁和法院审理。特许经营权到期五年后，移交问题仍未解决。下一阶段的法律程序将检验1991年协议的含义。

就在泰国政府介入人工智能市场之际，该国的付费人工智能用户经历了噩梦般的一周。

人民党激进派人士抨击本周启动的旗舰人工智能项目TH AI，并向反腐机构提出指控。

泰国民众在首日积极参与政府的TH AI项目，但ChatGPT在周一晚些时候报告出现故障。

泰国人工智能护照将于8月28日正式上线，部长表示，此举是应公众强烈要求。

民主党副党魁再次抨击泰国-人工智能护照项目，与此同时，部长正力推该项目。

泰国工人如今在人工智能应用方面处于世界领先地位，是全球平均水平的两倍多。企业必须提高警惕。

民主党副党魁揭露泰国-印度护照计划的缺陷，并呼吁部长终止该计划。

阿披实·维乍集瓦呼吁对数字经济部正在推进的旗舰人工智能项目进行审查

反对党和首相都强调了腐败问题，认为这正在损害王国在海外的信誉。

交通部长下令就美国有关旅游公款旅行和按摩院的贿赂指控提交报告

最高法院首席大法官成​​立专案组，调查丰田公司110亿泰铢税务上诉案中的贿赂指控。

财政部未能阻止向一家与1990年合同有关的香港公司支付254亿泰铢的款项

微软承认在泰国存在腐败支付指控，并与美国调查人员达成认罪协议。

一名省级机构负责人因试图向一名商人勒索200万泰铢而在穆达汉被捕。

约瑟夫·安东尼是一位来自爱尔兰的侨民，过去十年一直居住在泰国。他曾在爱尔兰和泰国的媒体行业担任过编辑职务，拥有丰富的媒体从业经验。他主要关注泰国的经济和商业新闻，以及侨民的生活方式。

约瑟夫·奥康纳的所有帖子

不断扩大的中国贸易逆差不容忽视，因为它扭曲了经济数据，掩盖了泰国GDP面临的潜在困境。2026年9月4日，泰中企业发出警告。

一名33岁的单身母亲自2026年8月28日星期五起在北碧府失踪，人们越来越担心她的安危。9月4日，失踪母亲维楚达女士（33岁）的监控录像显示她失踪。

红牛继承人沃拉育明年即可自由返回泰国，除非他主动投案或被国际刑警组织在海外逮捕。2026年9月4日，沃拉育的命运岌岌可危。

2026年9月3日，国防部长阿杜尔在曼谷目睹一起交通事故后，暂停车队行程，救助伤者。曼谷的一起交通事故使国防部长阿杜尔的行程戛然而止。

一名64岁的德国男子自2024年起在泰国潜逃，最终于2026年9月3日在湄宏顺府被警方抓获。长达三年的追捕行动在湄宏顺府一家旅馆落下帷幕。

2026年9月3日，美国海军重返其位于芭堤雅的老地盘，展开为期四天的城市振兴行动，现金交易成为关键。随着5000名美国海军官兵抵达芭堤雅，移动ATM机也随之投入使用。

泰国妻子凭借嗅觉嗅出丈夫不忠，并在法庭上证明其行为，最终结案“内裤异味案”（2026年9月2日）。妻子通过香水嗅出丈夫的婚外情。

2026年股市复苏并非建立在稳固的基础之上，而是依赖于外资和一家公司。2026年9月2日，曼谷股市在经历了三个月的低迷后强劲反弹，涨幅达26%。

新签证政策对在泰西方游客和外籍人士造成沉重打击，缩短停留时间和增加旅行次数 2026年9月1日 泰国新的签证紧缩政策将游客停留时间减半

泰国民众踊跃参与政府的TH人工智能项目，但ChatGPT在9月1日星期一晚些时候报告出现故障。超过136万泰国人注册了TH-AI项目。

曼谷发生令人痛心的悲剧：一名怀孕女教师因与男友争夺孩子抚养权而自杀身亡（2026年9月1日） 一名顾客发现这名怀孕的曼谷女教师已死亡

泰国对小型外国投资者的严格限制对其雄心勃勃的经合组织入盟目标构成重大障碍 2026年8月31日 泰国力争在2028年加入经合组织

一位旅游博主声称，2026年8月31日，他在曼谷素坤逸路光天化日之下遭到可卡因兜售者的骚扰。

2026年8月31日，曼谷空通中心的一家商户在一场大火中损失惨重，数十年的心血付之一炬。几代人的家族企业化为灰烬。

2026年8月30日星期日，泰国女排在与中国队的比赛中以3比2的比分险胜，第三次夺得亚洲女子排球锦标赛冠军。

2026年8月30日，在叛乱暴力事件再次爆发后，阿努廷总理对周二的宋卡府内阁会议提出质疑。北大年武装分子冲进环球大厦，清空购物者。

2026年8月30日，一名未成年女子在一家男招待酒吧消费6万泰铢，因追求一名男子而被酒吧经理剃光头发以支付账单。

马来西亚网络赌博头目在曼谷突袭行动中被捕。这名48岁的男子是UFA网络的高级代理人。2026年9月4日

2026年9月4日，一名疯狂的前男友驾驶皮卡撞向骑摩托车的前女友及其新男友，致其死亡。

由于印度签证政策失误，泰国8月份流失了大量游客。2026年9月4日，泰国迅速调整政策，改为30天签证。

曼谷数据中心项目暂停，官员们正紧急评估该行业对资源的影响 2026年9月3日

艾滋病毒和艾滋病仍然潜伏在泰国色情行业的霓虹灯招牌背后，尤其是在其转向线上之后。（2026年9月3日）

2026年9月3日，弟弟发现哥哥酗酒后将其杀害，当时他们的母亲正在医院与死神搏斗。

前总理佩通坦就社交媒体上有关她与以色列土地有关联的虚假帖子向警方报案 2026年9月2日

人民党激进派人士抨击本周启动的旗舰人工智能项目TH AI，并向反腐机构提交索赔申请（2026年9月2日）

士兵们回来了。2026年9月2日，美国军人返回他们曾参与创建的芭堤雅城，进行战时休假。

2026年9月1日星期一，光天化日之下，一名大麻店店员因29200泰铢的诈骗案袭击了一名骑摩托车的英国男子。

2026年9月1日，泰国北部一名女子通过养殖和出售活蟑螂供附近河流的渔民捕鱼，建立了一项蓬勃发展的生意。

芭堤雅警方正在调查2026年8月31日星期一凌晨发生在芭堤雅南区一家夜总会的枪击案。

阿努廷本周伊始就面临双重经济难题：汽车制造商和铁路财团威胁要退出合作。2026年8月31日

2026年8月31日，一名美国男子在普吉岛被捕，他因涉嫌在家中性侵未成年人而被美国州和联邦政府通缉。

曼谷夜生活风靡全球，有望在2026年8月30日荣膺世界第一和全球游客最多的城市。

芭堤雅警方在美军预计于2026年8月30日星期三抵达前夕，针对街头性工作者展开行动。

泰国政治即将迎来一个关键时刻，参议院串谋案的判决将于9月14日公布（2026年8月30日）。

这位来自泰国的《美国达人秀》明星于周五返回家乡，准备迎接她9月份的命运之约（2026年8月30日）。

缅甸当局对5月份美国外交官的死亡及其被监禁的泰国同伴的事件（2026年8月29日）保持沉默。

泰国旅游警察迎来新面貌。部长视察总部，谈及高科技安保新时代（2026年8月29日）

2026年8月29日，一名醉酒的外国游客袭击并撬开自动取款机寻找丢失的银行卡，警方在10分钟内赶到现场。

曼谷市中心一家大型电子产品零售中心发生大火。查查特府于2026年8月29日赶赴现场。

© 2026 Thai Examiner。版权所有。