On July 20th 2004, the Cabinet approved in principle a proposal to establish a National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of King Rama IV and also to celebrate the auspicious opcasion of the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol in 2007.
The main operation of the National Observatory is located on the very top of the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Intanon in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, which is also renowned for its superb climate and tourist attractions. NARIT’s observatury is scheduled to officially open on the 5th of December 2007, which marks the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol.
Apart from the main observatory and research building there is one more building associated with NARIT, namely the Information Technology and Training Centre for Astronomy situated at the Headquaters of Doi Intanon National Park.
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