[1] The main missions of the institute are to carry out, support, and promote the development of astronomy and astrophysics in Thailand through research, public outreach, and educational activities.

[6][7] Astronomical research conducted at NARIT ranges from study of the Solar System and galactic astronomy to extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology and is divided into four main strategic focuses:[8] The Thai National Observatory is located in Doi Inthanon National Park (44th km), Chiang Mai Province.

In addition to the National Observatory, there is also an observatory in honor of the Late King Maha Bhumipol Adulyadej at the Doi Inthanon Report Station, where NARIT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Royal Thai Air Force, monitors for potential threats caused by near-Earth objects and space debris, and studies the impact of the Sun and space on Earth's climate using a 0.7-meter telescope.

[12] Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark is the headquarters of NARIT and supports its main missions, which are research and study of astronomy, development of technology, academic services, and communication.

It has the capacity to receive radio signals in the frequency range of 0.3 to 115 GHz and, along with another radio telescope with a diameter of 13 meters, will expand capabilities in astronomical observation, promote the use of astronomy in developing basic knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), leading to the development of human capacity in astronomy and advanced engineering technology, along with increasing potential and human resources in advanced industries such as telecommunications, software engineering, and digital technology, etc.

[19] The 13-meter-diameter radio telescope is used to conduct geodesy and geological research with a technique called Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI), which allows for high-precision measurement of the positions and movements of tectonic plates that may cause disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis.

[21] Additionally, Thailand's wet season reduces clear skies for half of the year,[22] significantly limiting a telescope's ability to observe space.

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) the Republic of Chile, under the PROMPT (Panchromatic Robotic Optical Monitoring and Polarimetry Telescopes) project, active since October 2013; 2.

It has a system for automatically targeting and tracking celestial objects both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres for the benefit of astronomy research and study.

This network serves both domestic and international astronomers as well as provides support for research at primary and secondary school levels.