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With the deadline for approval now passed, it looks like Nasas request to use U-tapao naval airbase for atmospheric studies is going nowhere. The matter now goes to parliament which will not met until August.

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Nasa already has prepared an official logo for the the Southeast Asia Composition, Cloud, Climate Coupling Regional Study (SEAC4RS). The exercise aims to address key questions regarding the influence of Asian emissions on clouds, climate, and air quality. (Nasa handout)

Cancellation likely, Yingluck concedes Thanida Tansubhapol

The cabinet yesterday voted to forward Nasa's request to use U-tapao naval airbase in Rayong for atmospheric studies to parliament for debate in August, which will likely result in the project being cancelled.

The request will be debated at the next session of a joint sitting of parliament, under Section 179 of the constitution, which does not require a vote. The parliament is now in recess and will not convene until August.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra admitted the decision might cause Nasa to scrap the project.

It would be a pity if Nasa withdrew the request as Thailand would lose an opportunity to develop its weather forecasting capabilities, she said.

"The cabinet agrees that we should use parliamentary mechanisms to scrutinise the request in the interests of the country," she said.

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Nasa plan likely to be cancelled