NARIT (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand)

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) traces its origins to 2004, when it was established to commemorate the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and became an official public organization under Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation on January 1, 2009. Headquartered in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, NARIT's mission spans astronomical research, technology development and engineering, astronomy outreach, and international scientific collaboration.

NARIT operates Thailand's principal astronomical infrastructure, including the Thai National Observatory (TNO) atop Doi Inthanon, home to the 2.4-metre Thai National Telescope — the largest optical telescope in Southeast Asia — as well as the Thai National Radio Astronomy Observatory (TNRO), which hosts the 40-metre Thai National Radio Telescope, the largest single-dish radio telescope in the region. The institute also runs the Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark and planetarium, a network of Regional Observatories for the Public across Thailand, and the Thai Robotic Telescope (TRT) network of remotely operated telescopes at international sites.

Beyond observational astronomy, NARIT develops in-house optical and radio instrumentation, including high-speed photometers and echelle spectrographs for exoplanet and stellar research, and participates in space technology initiatives such as Thailand's CE-7 MATCH lunar orbit mission. The institute provides services and educational programs to the public, schools, researchers, and industry, positioning it as the anchor institution for astronomy and related space technology development in Thailand and mainland Southeast Asia.