BANGKOK, 20 June 2012 -Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mr. Thani Thongpakdi insisted that the establishment of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) center at U-tapao military airport is independent of NASA.
The US Defense Department had proposed to Thailand to establish the HADR center at U-tapao, the project which was also favored by Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva. the then Prime Minister.
Mr. Thani claimed the project and the NASA’s mission to study the formation of clouds in Thailand are operated independently, despite both having been initiated by the US.
The Spokesperson added later that it was Thailand’s decision, without the American influence, to run the HADR, citing that it would do more good than harm to many nations in this region. However, he added, the project is still being negotiated and discussed whether participations from other nations are needed.
