Thai satellite operator denies junta's spy allegations

The Straits Times, February 22, 2007



BANGKOK - Thailand's Shin Satellites, under control of Singapore's Temasek Holdings, on Thursday denied the junta's allegations of spying via satellites, saying its operations are purely commercial.

Thailand's only satellite operator came under the spotlight after junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin vowed to take back control of the company and accused Singapore of using ShinSat to spy on the kingdom.

ShinSat rejected Gen Sonthi's allegations and stressed that its four satellites are only used for commercial purposes, such as broadcasting and broadband Internet communication.

'Our satellites do no have any equipment to spy or do surveillance. Our operations are purely civilian,' said a company official, who declined to be named.

'Our business has nothing to do with the military,' she said, adding that nearly 80 per cent of the company's revenue comes from international broadcasters and telecom firms.

ShinSat is a subsidiary of Thai telecom giant Shin Corp, which was founded by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by Gen Sonthi in a bloodless coup in September.

ShinSat operates four satellites owned by the Thai government under a concession that has 10 years remaining.

Gen Sonthi said on Tuesday he wanted Thailand to buy back ShinSat, whose market capitalisation was estimated at 10 billion baht (S$429.7 million).

Several Thai telecom firms have already expressed an interest in buying ShinSat shares, according to local media.

Singapore, for its part, has denied any spying on Thailand, but asked the kingdom to clarify Gen Sonthi's remarks over the satellites.

Fearing Singapore's spying, Gen Sonthi has also ordered military officials to give up their cell phones in favour of walkie-talkies to prevent any espionage. -- AFP