Science and Technology

Science and technology is one of the key areas of cooperation between Thailand and the United States. The Agreement Relating to Scientific and Technical Cooperation signed in August 2013 provides an important framework for agencies on both sides to explore areas of mutual interest – ranging from research collaboration, energy, biodiversity, national laboratories, STEM education, and other exchanges.

Dr. Phiraphan Phalusuk, Former Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand signed the Agreement with H.E. Kristie Anne Kenney, Former U.S. Ambassador to Thailand on 6 August 2013.

The Thai – U.S. science and technology cooperation covers a wide range of agencies in both pubic and private sectors. In Thailand, the Ministry of Science and Technology is the national focal point on science and technology policy.

A recent notable example of the Thai – U.S. science and technology cooperation is the visits to Thailand by Dr. Geraldine Richmond, U.S.  Science Envoy in January and March 2015. According to the U.S. Department of State, the visits are in support of President Obama’s initiative to strengthen the United States’ science and education relationships overseas. Dr. Richmond is the Presidential Chair of Chemistry at the University of Oregon, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. She is President-elect of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a Presidential appointee to the National Science Board. Dr. Richmond is also the founder and chair of Committee on the Advancement of Women Chemists (COACh), a grass-roots organization that has provided professional training and networking for over 12,000 women scientists in the United States and developing countries. Dr. Richmond is scheduled to make another visit to Thailand in June 2015.

Dr. Richmond with Mr. Songsak Saicheua, Director-General, Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, during her visit to Thailand in January 2015

For more information, please visit the Office of Science and Technology’s website.