TAF Interview 6 - Cobra Gold กับการสร้าง Space และ Cyber ของกองทัพไทย

Summary

The speaker discusses Thailand's military and technological evolution, focusing on the integration of space and cyber capabilities. They emphasize the need for coordination across various domains, such as space-based communication and cyber defense. The speaker advocates for educational initiatives like the Cyber Academy to prepare personnel for future challenges in space and cybersecurity. They also highlight the strategic importance of space technology and satellite development, pushing for Thailand to increase its involvement in satellite launching. The goal is to create a well-coordinated defense infrastructure that includes strong cyber capabilities and advanced space operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of developing a joint task force and ensuring compatibility in systems, especially in terms of data flow and matching devices.
• 😀 The need for an educational foundation in fields like space and cyber operations before training or deployment, to ensure all participants are equally prepared.
• 😀 The key role of space technology, which goes beyond satellite communication and involves applications like GPS, time management, early warning systems, and disaster prediction.
• 😀 Understanding that space-related activities are crucial for national security, as controlling space can be as important as controlling territory.
• 😀 The ongoing efforts to develop Thailand's space capabilities, including plans to launch satellites and expand satellite services for ASEAN, with a focus on providing internet access via space.
• 😀 The need to better integrate cyber command functions across different branches of the military to enhance data flow and communication security.
• 😀 The development of a Cyber Academy to train government employees and university students, fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
• 😀 The importance of creating cyber boot camps for high school students to increase awareness of cybersecurity and cultivate skills in the younger generation.
• 😀 Thailand’s long-term goal to produce a sufficient number of cyber specialists for the military, aiming to address the growing cyber threat landscape.
• 😀 The challenge of brain drain in the cybersecurity sector, where highly skilled professionals are drawn to higher-paying roles in the private sector, which presents an ongoing retention issue.

Q & A

What is the significance of space technologies for the Thai military?

Space technologies are crucial for the Thai military, not only for communication (like Thaicom satellites) but also for GPS, early warning systems, and reconnaissance. The speaker emphasizes that controlling space is as important as maritime control, as space technologies provide strategic military advantages, such as monitoring enemy movements and supporting other military assets.

Why is there a need for education in space and cyber technologies in the Thai military?

The Thai military requires strong educational foundations in both space and cyber technologies to enhance the capabilities of personnel. The speaker highlights the importance of formal education programs like the Cyber Academy and Cyber Boot Camps to ensure that personnel are well-versed in these fields and can contribute to the defense and security of the nation.

How does the speaker propose improving Thailand's cyber capabilities?

The speaker proposes creating a stronger cyber workforce by setting up a Cyber Academy and running cyber boot camps for secondary school students, aimed at fostering talent in cyber awareness, intelligence, and protection. Additionally, they emphasize the need to create a seamless connection between different branches of the military for more effective cyber coordination.

What is the role of the Thai Air Force in space operations?

The Thai Air Force plays a significant role in monitoring space, as they already have a Space Operations Center to track satellites and other objects in space. This is essential for ensuring national security and coordinating military operations that rely on space technology.

Why is it important for Thailand to invest in its own space technology?

Investing in its own space technology allows Thailand to reduce dependence on other countries, improve national security, and create opportunities for leadership in space. The speaker also highlights that controlling space can provide strategic military advantages, including intelligence and communication capabilities.

What challenges does Thailand face in developing its space and cyber technologies?

One of the challenges mentioned is the lack of resources, both financial and human, to develop advanced space and cyber technologies. Additionally, the speaker notes that there is a risk of 'brain drain,' where talented individuals may leave for the private sector due to better financial incentives.

How does the speaker view international collaboration in cyber and space fields?

The speaker views international collaboration as essential for Thailand's growth in the cyber and space sectors. They believe that learning from other nations’ experiences and technologies will help Thailand enhance its own capabilities, ensuring it doesn't fall behind in global defense and technological advancements.

What is the importance of linking cyber operations across different branches of the Thai military?

Linking cyber operations across the army, navy, and air force is critical to ensuring that all branches can work together efficiently. The speaker suggests that digital communication between the branches will enable the swift flow of data and alerts, which is essential for effective defense and military coordination.

How does the speaker propose dealing with the 'brain drain' issue in the cyber field?

To address the 'brain drain,' the speaker proposes offering better opportunities within the military, such as competitive salaries and the chance for professionals to contribute to national security while developing their skills. They also highlight the possibility of creating a system that allows personnel to gain experience in both the military and the private sector.

What future plans does the speaker have for the Cyber Academy and related programs?

The speaker envisions expanding the Cyber Academy and related programs by training a larger number of students, including university students and high schoolers, in cyber skills. They aim to produce a skilled workforce to address the growing cyber threats and strengthen Thailand's cybersecurity capabilities.