Government insists on majority Thai ownership for Starlink despite regional exemptions

Thailand's government insists that any Starlink operation in the country must have a majority Thai stake, despite regional exemptions and trade negotiations with the United States. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob stated that SpaceX would need a Thai partner holding at least 51% ownership. An arrangement involving technology transfer was deemed acceptable, but a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary was rejected.

The government cited data security and national security concerns, as well as the potential for domestic operators to be unable to compete with Starlink's technology, pricing, and production capacity. The stance reinforces a red line in Thailand's trade talks with Washington. Only the telecommunications sector in Thailand does not allow full foreign ownership, according to Kirida Bhaopichitr, an assistant to the commerce minister.

SpaceX had previously sought permission to establish a wholly owned Thai subsidiary but was rejected. Starlink operates in over 160 countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have all granted full foreign ownership exemptions for Starlink in satellite-based telecommunications.