National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (NARIT)

National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (NARIT) is a research institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Thailand. It carries out an ambitious programme on playing a leading role in promoting and organizing  cooperation in astronomical research throughout Thailand and South-East Asia.

NARIT is assigned to operate Thailand’s most powerful ground-based astronomical telescope enabling important research in astronomy and astrophysics. The site is under construction at Doi Inthanon, a 2450 m high mountain 100 km south of Chiangmai.

In addition, NARIT also undertake various public outreach programmes to promote astronomy education and awareness in Thailand.

Functions
1. To carry out research and development on astronomy  and astrophysics.
2.  To establish a network and cooperate with organizations and research institutes, both domestic and international.
3. To support and co-ordinate astronomical collaboration projects with other relevant institutes and organizations, on both national and international scale.
4. To disseminate knowledge and technology development in astronomy.

Organization Structure
1.    Administration Division
2.    Academic and Technical Matter Division
3.    Observatory Division
4.    Technical Support Division

NARIT Facilities
Thai National Observatory: The Thai National Observatory is located at the highest peak in Thailand. As 2,450 meters above the mean sea level, the observatory has superb seeing conditions suitable for advanced research in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The automated telescope with 2.4 meters clear aperture, single mirror type, will be one of the largest and most advanced telescopes located within Asia. Together with robotic capability as well as a range of state-of –the art instruments, the observatory will therefore play a significant role in supporting cutting edge research and international collaborations.

Provincial Public Observatories: NARIT has been committed to establish 5 more provincial observatories scattered through the five geographical zones of the country. The five provincial public observatories will be situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Chachoengsao, Phitsanulok and Songkhla, representing the lower north eastern, the upper north eastern, the eastern, the lower northern and the southern parts of Thailand respectively. Each of the so-mentioned public observatories is equipped with a 0.5 meter telescope, a CCD camera, and a spectrograph. Most of them are expected to operate in their full capacities not later than 2015.

The already existing observatory in the North, Chiang Mai University’s Sirindhorn Observatory, has become an alliance observatory of NARIT in early 2009.

Information Technology and Training Center: The Information technology and training centre is located at at Doi Inthanon National Park. The centre will provide information and a learning experience in astronomy for the public, the facilities for the remote operations of the National Observatory, a telescope maintenance workshop and accommodation for astronomers.

Contact
Chiang Mai (Headquarters)
Address:  191  Siriphanich Bldg., 2nd Fl., Huay Kaew Rd.,
                 Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
Phone:      +66 (53) 225 569
Fax:          +66 (53) 225 524
E-mail:     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website:   www.narit.or.th

Bangkok (Coordination Office)
Address: Office of the Permanent Secretary,
                Ministry of Science and Technology
                Rama VI Rd., Ratchathewi,
                Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Phone:     +66 (2) 354 6652
Fax:         +66 (2) 354 7013

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