Exploring New Perspectives with Pimsuree Uayporn: Thai Satellites in an Ever-Evolving Era
Pimsuree Uayporn, or Pim, has over a decade of experience in the telecommunications and satellite industry. She shared her career journey and vision for the satellite industry in Thailand.
Pim graduated from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok with vocational, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications. Reflecting on her academic journey, she recalls, “During my bachelor’s degree, there was one course about satellites, and I found the content so complex that I thought I would never work with satellites in my life.”
Even fate led her to start first career at CAT Telecom, in the International Network department, which managed submarine cables and satellites. She eventually focused solely on satellite work. If I count all my experiences, it is about 11 years, but specifically in satellite work, it is around 5 years, Pim explained.
When asked about her first field experience, Pim shared that she wasn’t too excited because she had already worked behind the scenes. When she went to the field, she felt like she knew it but every time she went out to work outside the office, she felt excited because she met new people and saw new places.” She also says, “It’s fun to think of new things beyond the usual. Maybe it’s because I like going out, so it’s enjoyable, and I get to meet many strangers.
Pim believes that, although live broadcasting via satellite is declining, it still has significant strengths. “What keeps satellites relevant is the quality of the signal and the ability to broadcast anywhere. This is the advantage of satellites.”
Nevertheless, she acknowledges that high costs are a major issue. “The real problem with satellites is the cost, which allows other technologies to replace them.” However, she still believes “broadcasting via satellite will continue, so it might become a niche market. It won’t disappear but might gradually shrink to become more specialized.”
Pim has observed significant changes in Thailand’s satellite industry. “This year, we’ve seen a lot of changes in Thailand’s satellite industry. Suddenly, there’s a lot of activity with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and so many other developments.”
She noted that this has changed the public’s perception of satellites. “Previously, people saw satellites as something old traditional. Now, it’s like people are starting to see that ‘Hey, satellites are coming back.'”
For young people who are interested in this field, Pim advises, “Keep an open mind. Don’t judge it as something obsoleted.” She pointed to the investments by leading global entrepreneurs, saying, “Elon Musk, the top tech mogul, is investing in the satellite business. Even Jeff Bezos is in it, so there must be something there.”
Lastly, Pim concluded with hope, “Today, we might not see what it will become, but there’s definitely something there. Otherwise, these investors wouldn’t be involved. When it finally succeeds, we might have that ‘Got it’ moment.”
Pimsuree Uayporn
