Subject: Thailand solicits spysat proposals From: thomsona@netcom.com (Allen Thomson) Date: 1996/03/16 Message-Id: <thomsonaDoDA5C.C17@netcom.com> Newsgroups: sci.space.policy,alt.politics.org.cia My, it seems as if everybody who's anybody is getting into the spysat biz. While I'd suppose the system in question is a photoreconnaissance satellite, the article isn't totally clear on the point, so a SIGINT platform is perhaps also a possibility. If anyone here has more information on this project that they can post, please do so. BANGKOK, March 10 1996 (Reuter) By Sutin Wannabovorn [EXCERPTS] Thailand's military plans to open bidding for a $1.04 billion spy and communications satellite system but some politicians have expressed concern over its high cost and suitability. A feasibility study into the country's proposed first military communications and intelligence gathering two-satellite system -- Star of Siam -- has been completed, military sources said over the weekend. Although the project is still awaiting government approval, a military panel has decided to seek proposals for the ambitious project from interested companies, the panel's head, Air Marshal Veera Kanhasiri, told Reuters. "The panel has agreed to send the letters to the embassies of interested countries to submit their proposals and bids," Veera said. "We hope that the first satellite would be launched in the year of 2000." It will comprise two satellites, two master controls and a series of fixed and mobile ground terminals capable of covering more than one-third of the earth's surface, according to military sources. Thailand's communications and surveillance capability in its border regions as well as in Southeast Asia would be enhanced substantially by the system. The company reported to have conducted the feasibility study for the project, Matra Marconi Space (UK) Ltd, a joint venture of Lagardere Groupe and GEC Plc, as well as British Aerospace Defence Ltd and the British Defence Ministry were all interested, military sources said. Firms from several other countries, including China, Israel, the United States and France, have expressed interest, they added.