The Siam Photon Project was approved by the government of Thailand in 1996 to develop the Siam Photon Source (SPS), the first synchrotron light source in Thailand.  Major parts of the light source were transferred from the shut down SORTEC laboratory, Japan. The storage ring was redesigned for 1.2 GeV operation.  The Siam Photon Project was managed by then the National Synchrotron Research Center (NSRC) which was established under the resolution of the Cabinet of the Thai Government on 5th March 1996.  At that time, the Cabinet agreed on the establishment of the NSRC Project under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.  Later, the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI) was established as a Public Organization under the supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology to operate and develop the Siam Photon Source and the Siam Photon Laboratory.  SLRI is located in the Technopolis of Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima.