Dr. Apaphant has been the top executive of GISTDA since 2020. His space leadership career spans both the public and private sectors. Before being appointed as a GISTDA Executive Director, Dr. Apaphant held executive positions in Thailand's National Space Subcommittee and Commission, as well as its Subcommittee on Information and Communication Affairs and Subcommittee on Space Affairs. In addition, Dr. Apaphant has served as the Board of Directors of state enterprises and leading companies in Thailand. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and EGAT International Company Limited.

Dr. Apaphant is an experienced executive with long experience in alliance management and business management. His specialties include Digital Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and related space related technologies. His leadership talent in space management, communication, and coordination has been recognized by domestic and international partners. Lately in 2023, he served as a Chair of Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).

Dr.Apaphant earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the King Mongkut Institute of Technology (Ladkrabang), Thailand. He earned his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Remote Sensing/GIS) and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Geomatics) from Purdue University, Indiana, USA.