Thailand-American collaboration is more than just a theory. The strategic partnership in research between the Kingdom and the United States has proven so fruitful that the two allies have agreed to extend their Science and Technology agreement for another ten years.

“The strategic partnership between both nations has continued to grow into a robust and enduring relationship,” the U.S. Embassy in Thailand said. “The latest extension of the bilateral agreement notes both countries’ efforts to create inclusive scientific research communities, engage all groups, and remove barriers to full participation in joint science activities.”

Science and technology are essential pillars in building an advanced economy and society, which is precisely the goal of Thailand’s national strategy. The Kingdom is investing and courting investments in fields ranging from aerospace, next-generation mobility, medical research and public health, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, to robotics and big data.

Two years ago, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Thailand and announced a slew of new collaborative partnerships, several of which encompass science and technology.

They included technical assistance on carbon capture, utilization, and storage to mitigate climate change. There was also a new clean energy partnership to build capacity for the secure and safe deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies.

The Food for Progress initiative works with the government of Thailand and its farmers to develop a regional climate hub.

In addition, the United States agreed to fund the YSEALI Enviro-Tech Regional Workshop, which seeks to train young people on climate change mitigation and adaptation, including the use of emerging technology, such as AI, clean energy, and biotech, to address environmental challenges in the Mekong sub-region.

The United States Centers for Disease Control also has an office in Thailand that works with the Ministry of Public Health on disease surveillance and sequencing of pathogens. Thailand also hosts AFRIMS, a bilateral U.S. Army-Royal Thai Army medical research institute fighting diligently to eradicate diseases.

Photo courtesy of https://archive.cdc.gov/