Nasa leaves door open to revive study

US space agency Nasa said Friday that it was leaving the door open to reviving the cancelled plan to conduct a climate study from U-tapao naval airbase.

Published: 30/06/2012 at 12:00 AM

But Thai authorities insisted the plan would then have to undergo a new round of consideration.

No decision has been made "on whether Nasa will be able to fly the mission next year or sometime in the future", said Steve Cole, a Nasa spokesman in Washington.

Nasa scrapped the study after the Thai government delayed action on a request to use U-tapao air base as its operations centre for atmospheric observation during the peak Asian monsoon season.

The opposition Democrat Party had charged that US use of U-tapao, a launchpad for US B-52 bombing missions during the Vietnam War, would infringe on Thai sovereignty, among other things.

Mr Cole said there were a range of options other than U-tapao, both inside and outside Thailand, that could perhaps serve as headquarters for a future study.

''But I don't want to give the impression that Nasa is actively considering specific locations,'' he said. ''We are not yet at that stage.''

Nasa had sought to operate the mission from U-tapao's airfield because of its central geographic location, access to infrastructure and cost considerations, Mr Cole said.

Without basing approval in hand on June 26, the timeframe was too short to get the mission in the field to study the conditions in August and September, ''when unique atmospheric processes occur that were the focus of the campaign'', he said.

Navy commander Surasak Rounroengrom said if Nasa wants to revive the project at U-tapao airport, its request must go through a fresh consideration process.

He said the navy will take into account security aspects and there will be a committee to handle the request.

''It'll undergo a similar process. We'll examine how the project will benefit the country first and then review the request to use U-tapao airport,'' Adm Surasak said.

He insisted that no Nasa equipment was being housed in the naval airbase.

He said the issue had been clarified by Royal Thai Fleet commander Kanat Thongpoon and navy chief-of-staff Darongsak Haocharoen.

When asked if the navy feels uncomfortable about the politicising of the request to use U-tapao, Adm Surasak said there were no hard feelings.

He said the navy did what it was supposed to do, especially when it came to protecting national security.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the government would proceed with its plan to submit the Nasa project for parliamentary debate despite the cancellation of the project.

She said scrutiny resulting from the debate could be useful if Nasa decides to revive the project next year.

''It is possible that the findings [from the debate] will be of use if the cabinet is asked to reconsider the issue,'' Ms Yingluck said.

The debate is set to take place in August when parliament reconvenes.

Chief government whip Udomdej Rattanapian agreed with Ms Yingluck, and said government whips were expected to consider pushing for a House session on the issue next week.

Mr Udomdej also voiced concern about a possible movement to exploit the Nasa issue to topple the government.

Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa, however, said there was no need for a parliamentary debate on the issue unless Nasa resubmits the request.

''There is no need to consider it in advance. If they don't make a request, it is a waste [of time],'' he said.

Former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama said the government made the right call by putting off the decision because Section 190 of the constitution _ which states any agreement or treaty affecting the national interest or sovereignty must be approved by parliament _ could be interpreted very broadly.

''The section is a landmine and the Constitution Court's interpretation is unpredictable,'' he said.

He called for amendment of the section, which he said was hampering government activities.

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Discussion 1 : 01/07/2012 at 03:36 PM: The opposition DEM Party had charged that US use of U-tapao, a launch pad for US B-52 bombing missions during the Vietnam War, would infringe on Thai sovereignty, among other things. And the DEM also alleged that the Yingluck government would approve the project only for the purpose to exchange for the USA to issue a visa to Dr. Thaksin. And now the DEMs and their rapidly diminishing supporter base said things conflicting to their allegations aforementioned. I really doubt the DEMs have the very basic capability, credibility, honesty or the matureness needed when it comes to issue on the national or international level. What demonstrated and reflected by their words and behaviors are nothing more than the DEMs’ childishness and selfishness. It is time for both Thai people and the international community to tell the DEMs to either grow up or get out.
Discussion 2 : 01/07/2012 at 10:38 AM: The government's decision to debate the project in spite of it being cancelled is now useless and too little too late because the horse has bolted for greener pastures or to but it in more meaningful economic terms. The goose that could have laid the golden egg for U-tapao has now flown the coop.
Discussion 3 : 01/07/2012 at 02:06 AM: Amazing how conspiracies come out of no where and people just believe them. And in this case a tremendous knowledge loss.
Discussion 4 : 01/07/2012 at 01:25 AM: saharat 27 - Pollution floats eastwards along with the jet stream. If the US wanted to measure pollution from China, flights in Japan would be the most appropriate. Locating flights in Thailand will allow studying pollution from India, Burma, etc.
Discussion 5 : 01/07/2012 at 12:26 AM: John dis 9 Thanks for posting that. It was a great laugh though sadly people will believe it.
Discussion 6 : 30/06/2012 at 09:47 PM: It's not too difficult to figure out the obvious reason for the study in the first place.and that is China's unregulated air pollution.as a result of their huge manufacturing base.Japan now receives acid rain as a result of the poor air quality in China.and most,if not all of the rivers contain toxic levels of pollutants.
Discussion 7 : 30/06/2012 at 09:46 PM: Having the debate in parliment should expose the truth about this project. As for NASA returning again this could be a touchy subject considering the accuations of spying and infringing on Thai sovereignty. It should have been a simple process if the PT and DP had done their homework unless there is something more to this fiasco. My guess it is all political jockying.
Discussion 8 : 30/06/2012 at 09:25 PM: I think being an ally of a country like Thailand would be like banging your head against a brick wall, it would feel so much better when it stopped. I'm sure Nasa would be going to plan B as some commentators have mentioned and be looking for another country in the region. Thailand will never enter the real world with their mai pen rai attitude.
Discussion 9 : 30/06/2012 at 05:20 PM: It is good news that NASA have left the door open to the possibility of doing the study in Thailand next year. Thai politicians now need to get their act together and decide whether they would welcome the study or not. PM Yingluck's decision to anyway submit the NASA plan for parliamentary debate makes eminent sense in that context. The Deputy PM has got this one completely wrong and appears to have learnt nothing at all from the recent debacle.
Discussion 10 : 30/06/2012 at 05:00 PM: Disc 15, 16 and 20. massien and khunbill, you are feeding the think tanks. In reality this mission could have gone ahead if America wanted it to, they didn't really push it, neither from the Thai side. Only the media blew it up. What if in fact, knowing what the Thai government is like, that this was in fact their plan 'B'. I have a feeling we will be getting a surprize.
Discussion 11 : 30/06/2012 at 04:06 PM: Deputy Primee Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa, however, said there was no need for a parliamentary debate on the issue unless Nasa resubmits the request. ''There is no need to consider it in advance. If they don't make a request, it is a waste [of time],'' he said. Right. The request for this project was made only one year ago. Does this person ever think before he speaks? So it was a waste of time to consider the request for all these months. Well I do have to admit this was a very low priority on the list. No time for any debate as bringing the convicted fugitive home took all their time.
Discussion 12 : 30/06/2012 at 12:53 PM: Ow Ya like I have often said Thais are their own worst enemy. This is a perfect example. Failure to secure Business with NASA and getting a piece of its multi billion $$$$ budget. Not to mention the scientific achievements that could be shared with Thailand. is the most ridiculous thing I have seen as of the last 12 years. Although there have been many. This one is rite there at the top. I dont know anyone who does not like Thais as a whole and Thailand as a country. But this Government has to wake up and step into the real world. The USA is your allied friend and has been for 175 years....
Discussion 13 : 30/06/2012 at 12:08 PM: Disc#15 In regards to Nasa not having a plan B, maybe it wasnt that much of a priority with them and who knows maybe they do have a plan B which does not include Thailand ...... think about that.
Discussion 14 : 30/06/2012 at 12:07 PM: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the government would proceed with its plan to submit the Nasa project for parliamentary debate despite the cancellation of the project... Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa, however, said there was no need for a parliamentary debate on the issue unless Nasa resubmits the request. ''There is no need to consider it in advance. If they don't make a request, it is a waste [of time],'' he said. Huh? Maybe a reconciliation bill for within the party.
Discussion 15 : 30/06/2012 at 11:46 AM: There do not seem to be anyone defending the government so why do Thai people put up with them?
Discussion 16 : 30/06/2012 at 11:42 AM: John Disc 9: Not sure what the relevance of your post is, but it's good to know that the manager of ASTV gets his "news" from Jesse Venture and Youtube conspiracy theorists.
Discussion 17 : 30/06/2012 at 10:55 AM: Have no fear, the US government will be back, ,But should ensure a plan B maybe even a plan C.. I would not be surprise if China it self would not be interested in participating in the project.
Discussion 18 : 30/06/2012 at 10:48 AM: What is a mystery to me, is why NASA did not have a plan B. Any confident project manager should anticipate this type of problem when engaging with government that change with the direction of the wind
Discussion 19 : 30/06/2012 at 10:38 AM: what do you expect when you have a dysfunctional government and two retarded political parties
Discussion 20 : 30/06/2012 at 10:13 AM: I have become accustomed to this government getting their priorities twisted and being all talk and photo-ops when it comes to helping the people. But what I question is the lackadaisical attitude and “improper speech”, which so easily offends Thais, being used by the Yingluck in reference to NASA. When queried by the news about the deadline and NASA forced to cancel the project, the Yingluck gave a nonchalant,”It’s up to them”. “Them”? Since NASA, true to its word, had to cancel, the government not only shows no sense of intelligence loss, remorse or apology but in true fashion tries to turn the tables and but the ‘blame’ on NASA for not playing the game. Very unprofessional and not statesman like.
Discussion 21 : 30/06/2012 at 10:08 AM: John: unreal what people think. Shows how uneducated these people really are. A very sad day for Thailand, and very embarrassing.
Discussion 22 : 30/06/2012 at 09:25 AM: thailand will never be asked again they had a golden oppurtunity to step up in the international mark but failed to do so due to a regime that havent got the interest of the country but a self serving man who happens to be of chinese origin they do not want usa on their doorstep also as disc 1 said too many changing chief
Discussion 23 : 30/06/2012 at 09:16 AM: jck 8 - Not to mention, the aircraft carrier has zero aircraft on board. When I visited, they let Cambodians go on board because they managed to pass themselves off as Thais.
Discussion 24 : 30/06/2012 at 09:13 AM: "The US has developed a project which can emit electromagnetic waves into the atmosphere to be reflected back to the earth to cause ‘natural disasters’ at targeted areas, as a new kind of weapon to destroy enemies...the whole world was worried about this ‘disaster-inducing weapon’. When a particular country or region is struck by natural disasters, the US will pose as a saviour with the purpose of exploiting natural resources and dominating local governments." - ASTV Manager (the PAD news outlet), June 20th, 2012
Discussion 25 : 30/06/2012 at 09:09 AM: D2: I wouldn't be so sure in future-telling what NASA will do unless you are the COO of NASA. Based on comments before NASA and a lot of other people have spent quite some time and money on this project. It is not reasonable to let all this go down the drain just because a little glitch in the time frame. And I wouldn't be that sure that other countries around Thailand would just open all the doors. I guess NASA needs a bit more than jus a runway to land its planes. And if China is really part of the concerns, then others are even more linked to China than Thailand. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised at all, if NASA came back to Thailand next year.
Discussion 26 : 30/06/2012 at 09:03 AM: The opposition Democrat Party had charged that US use of U-tapao, would infringe on Thai sovereignty. Well, if three civil aircraft's and some scientists can be a threat to Thai sovereignty, then the Thai army must be in a very bad shape.
Discussion 27 : 30/06/2012 at 09:02 AM: The very fact that Thailand has been hit hard by floods that caused massive damage in Thailand destroying the lives of millions as well as industry and very well could again, that the government in power very poorly managed the crisis but also has no interest in studying weather tells you everything about this government, also that the people they paid to put them in power come from the fields where their is a great advantage to them also on any knowledge learned from this study, they are obviously are not in control and they have only 1 agenda and we all know what that is !
Discussion 28 : 30/06/2012 at 08:52 AM: It should be obvious why the U-tapao/Nasa project was not approved. National security of course! U-tapao is very close to the navy base where Thailand's glorious aircraft carrier patiently waits for instructions to defend its borders from marauding Cambodians. (Or is it waiting for another fuel delivery?). Heaven forbid that those low flying NASA planes as they take off from U-tapao could get a really close look at the sophisticated hi-tech equipment added by the navy since the vessel was originally built by foreigners. As foreigners are banned from visiting the carrier without first obtaining written approval from the navy, clearly it must have secrets to hide from prying foreign eyes. No problem of course for Thais who can take all the photos they like.
Discussion 29 : 30/06/2012 at 08:51 AM: Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa "There is no need to consider it in advance. If they don't make a request, it is a waste [of time]" And we are expected to believe that the government never wastes time debating useless ideas? Why not talk it over, then let NASA know that you are willing and maybe they will come back. But if you act all high and mighty, they will go elsewhere. Other than amnesty for he who hides in Dubai and his storm troops, I don't see the government devoting any time to other projects, so they should have lots of time to consider the project in advance..
Discussion 30 : 30/06/2012 at 07:54 AM: Disc 1, surfdawg I thank you for your convincing input. Until now I was one of those being skeptical of this project. I now see the error of my ways.
Discussion 31 : 30/06/2012 at 07:27 AM: NASA will never again ask Thailand for anything again. The fact that an appropriate time period was given to Thailand to approve the request, and the fact that Thailand could not do it is grounds for NASA to never believe this government again, or ask for Thailand's help with another project in the future. If the dog that you constantly feed turns around and bites you, you quit feeding that dog. NASA won't be back, and I expect other USA agencies will take this action into account when projects are re-evalated, like Cobra Gold.
Discussion 32 : 30/06/2012 at 06:10 AM: NASA take your project to another country because you will never get the approval from the Thai government. I speak from personal experience since I have been involved with a mining project that has been stalled for 3 years due to the ever changing Thai government officals. We now are about to close this project for good and move to Laos or Burma where the governments actually want to do business.

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