Bangkok: Science diplomacy drives the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The 1st Heritage Science Forum. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Thailand Science Research and Development Institute (TSDI), in collaboration with the French Embassy in Thailand, launched the international academic forum, 'The 1st Heritage Science Forum.' This forum aimed to promote science diplomacy, drive MHESI forward, establish cutting-edge science, enhance the preservation of Thai cultural heritage, and create sustainable added value for the creative economy.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of Accelerated Research and Innovation for Competitiveness and Area Development (Public Organization), or Accelerated Research and Innovation Development Agency (Public Organization), through the Future Industry Technology and Innovation Management Unit (PMUB) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the French Embassy in Thailand, hosted the international academic conference, 'The 1st Heritage Science Forum,' under the theme 'The Starting Point: Applying Advanced Science to Preserve and Enhance Cultural Heritage,' at the Crystal Ballroom, Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom. The event was honored by the presence of Professor Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI, who presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address. Also in attendance were Mr. Danuphorn Punnakanta, Assistant Minister of MHESI; Associate Professor Dr. Veerapong Paesuwan, Chairman of PMUB and acting Ch airman of the PMUB Sub-Committee; and Dr. Nirawat Thamajak, Director of the Human Resource Development and Higher Education, Research and Innovation Funding Management Unit. The Acting Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) welcomed the guests. The objective of the event was to create a platform for exchanging knowledge between Thai and international researchers, and to promote the application of cutting-edge science and research in the conservation and development of the nation's cultural heritage.
This event marks a significant mission under the new role of the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), established by Royal Decree and effective January 1, 2026, as the country's primary mechanism for accelerating the economic and social utilization of research and innovation. The TRF has been tasked with promoting "Heritage Science" as a key focus of future target industries, aiming to enhance the country's competitiveness in the creative economy, quality tourism, and strengthening Thailand's soft power on the global stage.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) promotes Science Diplomacy, using science to serve society, in line with government policy.
The event was highly honored by the presence of Professor Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, who delivered a special lecture on the topic "Strategic Direction for Thailand." He emphasized that today's event was not merely an academic conference, but a demonstration of the Thai government's commitment to a strategy of transforming Thailand through research and innovation, aiming to elevate it to a high-income country. This is a mechanism for strengthening national identity while simultaneously developing a sustainable knowledge-based and creative economy.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) stated that the ministry adheres to the principle of "Science must serve society," which aligns with the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy and Strategy (MHESI) 2023-2027. This policy emphasizes the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge between Science, Technology, Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SHA) with the goal of improving the quality of life and preserving the country's identity. Thailand possesses diverse and rich cultural assets, all strategic national resources that require nurturing through reliable and internationally recognized scientific processes.
This collaboration with the Republic of France facilitates science diplomacy as a common language for building intellectual alliances, particularly in the context of over 340 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France. This Heritage Science Forum marks the first official joint event organized by both countries to focus on the preservation of cultural heritage and lays the foundation for Thailand to become a "Hub of Heritage Science in the ASEAN Region" in the future.
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Dr. Nirawat Thammachak, acting director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that under the new management structure of NSTDA, its mission has been adjusted to focus on "accelerating technology and innovation" to drive national economic growth. This will be achieved while maintaining its leadership role in supporting cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, clean energy, and biotechnology, while also emphasizing Heritage Science, which integrates leading technologies into research and development.
The Thailand Research Fund (TRF) views Heritage Science as a bridge connecting the values ??and capital of the past with cutting-edge knowledge to create social and economic impact for the future. This is achieved through advanced technologies such as synchrotron light technology, nanotechnology for materials science, and ancient DNA analysis to decode the wisdom hidden within cultural artifacts. Simultaneously, it aims to break down barriers between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and social sciences, humanities, and arts (SHA) to cultivate a highly skilled workforce with a cultural understanding and the ability to use technology to create new value for society.
Furthermore, the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) serves as a link between Thai researchers and global networks through funding programs such as the Global League, which aims to include Thai researchers in key global partnerships, and the Brainpower Linkage mechanism, which supports researcher exchange with leading institutions in France and other European countries to elevate the standards of Thai research to a world-class level. In addition, the TRF has supported research exchange programs for postdoctoral and master's researchers since 2023.
Event Highlights: Advanced Science Opens the Door to the Past
The event featured global case studies presented by Dr. Sigrid Mirabaud from the French Ministry of Culture, who lectured on "Heritage Science: Connecting Research, Museums and Heritage Conservation." Dr. Ann Bourges from the French National Centre for Museum Research and Restoration (C2RMF) presented on addressing the challenges of climate change on cultural heritage. A panel discussion also covered the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, utilizing cutting-edge technology to revive this iconic symbol of humanity.
Thailand was honored to have Professor Dr. Rasmi Chusongdej from Silpakorn University give a lecture on Thai archaeology from the past to the future with science and technology, and Dr. Wantana Klaysubun from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization) presented the use of advanced analytical techniques to restore the technology of producing "Kriap glass" at Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram, a cultural knowledge that had been lost for almost a century. There was also an exhibition, "The Journey of Heritage Science," showcasing six outstanding research projects, including deciphering ancient gold from Phimai Castle, restoring Lanna glass, computational analysis for restoring ancient murals, and the application of LiDAR technology to discover archaeological evidence in the old cities of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet, in collaboration between the French School of the Far East (EFEO) and the Fine Arts Department.
The Next Step: From Laboratory to Museum, From Researchers to the Public
This event reflects the commitment of the government and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to driving science that creates value for society. The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), as the fund management agency, is ready to be a strategic investor in intellectual capital and high-performing human resources, which are crucial foundations for Thailand's long-term cultural and economic stability. This will be achieved through creating a research ecosystem that connects universities, cultural organizations, research institutes, and international networks. MHESI, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and NRCT believe that 'The 1st Heritage Science Forum' will be the starting point for building collaborative networks between researchers, industry, government agencies, international organizations, and the public. This will propel Thailand towards becoming a leader in science for cultural heritage in the ASEAN region and raise awareness among Thai societ y that national cultural heritage is 'capital of the future' that can create endless added value if nurtured through science and technology.