Thailand Government Pushes Science and Innovation to Boost Agriculture, Skills, and Community Value

Key summary

On October 25, Deputy Prime Minister spokesperson Rear Adm. Dr. Pathardasmi Thongsaluakrong stated that the government's focus on using science and innovation to address livelihood issues aligns with recent parliamentary discussions on higher education, science, research, and innovation for 2022-2025. Under Vice Premier and Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESTI) Minister Prof. Dr. Yochanan Wongswat, the ministry aims to translate research into economic opportunities. Key initiatives include deploying seven agricultural innovations by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Kamphaeng Phet province to reduce costs by up to 60% through custom organic-chemical fertilizers, disease-free cassava seedlings, and dwarf banana technology for weather resilience. The ministry also promotes the 'Learning Has No Expiration Date' concept via the Skill Bridge credit bank system and AI skills training for workers, alongside a collaboration with the Ministry of Labour to train 10,000 semiconductor personnel within five years. Additionally, participation in the World Bank's Human Capital Project aims to develop teachers and early childhood centers through Rajabhat University networks to reduce educational inequality.