Thailand and Japan Enhance Technology Collaboration

Thailand and Japan have engaged in constructive dialogues aimed at enhancing collaboration in technology, science, innovation, and education, as both nations seek to bolster ties in advanced industries and workforce development.

In a recent meeting in Bangkok, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, welcomed Japanese Ambassador Otaka Masato to address strategic areas such as semiconductors, space technology, synchrotron research, and the expansion of the KOSEN technical education program in Thailand.

Thai officials highlighted that the government is emphasizing the development of advanced technologies to stimulate economic growth and enhance long-term industrial competitiveness. Japan's expertise in technology, engineering, and scientific advancement was acknowledged as invaluable.

A focal point of the discussions was the KOSEN curriculum, a Japanese-style technical education system that is currently hosted at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. Thailand plans to broaden the program's reach to more universities in the upcoming phase.

The dialogue also covered potential cooperation in satellite technology, systems for disaster monitoring, studies on climate change, semiconductor advancements, and the establishment of Thailand's fourth-generation synchrotron light source. Various agencies, including NSTDA, GISTDA, NARIT, and STRI, participated in these discussions.

Ambassador Otaka Masato noted that the long-standing cooperation between Thailand and Japan in the realm of science and technology presents ample opportunities for further collaboration in space research and satellite technology, especially concerning agriculture, disaster management, and economic progress.

Furthermore, progress has been made on a draft memorandum of cooperation regarding space technology between Thailand's MHESI and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Thai officials confirmed that this proposal is currently undergoing approval before it is submitted to the Cabinet.