On December 21-22, 2023, in Bangkok, the Rail and Modern Transport Research Center (RMT) of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) made a groundbreaking move by entering into a strategic collaboration with CRRC Qingdao Sifang and the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) to host the China-ASEAN High-Speed Railway Technical Development Forum.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), representing NSTDA and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) of Thailand, delivered a speech emphasizing the theme of the forum: “Green, Intelligent, and Win-Win – Jointly for ASEAN Railway Technology Development.” He highlighted the long-standing collaboration between NSTDA and CRRC in railway research since 2006.
Furthermore, the partnership between NSTDA and CRRC has extended to the development of railway standards. With NSTDA’s active involvement in international railway standards through ISO/TC269 Railway Applications Committee, a new chapter unfolds. On December 22, a collaborative effort between NSTDA, CRRC, and The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) was announced, aiming to strengthen railway standards in Thailand.
This cooperative endeavor operates within the framework of the Thailand-China Joint Research Center on Railway System project, following an agreement between the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and MHESI of Thailand.
Representing NSTDA at the forum, Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit, the Director of RMT, presented a speech titled “Lightweight Materials Research Trends for more Green Rail Transportation.” The speech shed light on ongoing research focusing on the development of lightweight materials for passenger cars and railway bogies, aligning with the local content policy in Thailand. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing the technological landscape of ASEAN’s railway sector.