National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand


National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand or NARIT is a research institute under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Its main missions are to carry out, support, and promote the development of astronomy and astrophysics in Thailand through research, public outreach, and educational activities.
NARIT was first established in 2004 as NARI, a statutory government institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology, to commemorate His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday. On 27 December 2008, the status of NARIT was changed to a non-profit governmental public organization.'''
The Thai National Observatory is NARIT's main facility, atop Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. In 2020, NARIT completed the construction of the Thai National Radio Telescope, a 40m single-dish short-millimetre telescope in Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre at Doi Saket District in Chiang Mai Province.

Background

The concept of a national astronomical research institute was discussed for the first time in the Assembly of the Deans of the Faculty of Science in Thai universities. On July 20, 2004, commemorating His Majesty King Bhumibol's 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007 and marking the bicentenary of the life and work of King Mongkut the "Father of Thai Science" the government approved the establishment of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The institute aims to strengthen not only research and educational capacity building in astronomy and related fields but also to ensure that a foundation for basis sciences exists for appropriate technology and innovation essential for a scientific astronomy education at all levels, both formal and informal education. The status of the Institute has been changed to a public organisation since January 1, 2009 which has become the Institute's Foundation Day henceforth.

Vision

A Southeast Asia leading institute in astronomy research.

Mission

To explore in-depth knowledge of the universe through scientific research.

Functions

  1. Conducting research in astronomy and related fields
  2. Building the research infrastructures in astronomy
  3. Establishing international and national research and academic cooperation networks in astronomy
  4. Pursuing knowledge and technology transfer in the field of astronomy

    Research and development

Astronomical research at NARIT ranges from study of solar system to Galactic Astronomy, to Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology. The research works being supported and encouraged by the institute can be divided into 4 areas namely;
  1. Impact from Space on Earth and Human
  2. Understanding Physics of the Universe
  3. The Study of Exoplanets and Search for Sign of Life outside the Solar System
  4. Understanding the Origin of the Cosmos