The Ministry of Higher Education and PMUB joined forces with the French Embassy in Thailand to launch an international academic forum. "The 1st Heritage Science Forum" To create a platform for knowledge exchange between Thai and international researchers.
On 12 May 2026, the Office of Research and Innovation Promotion for Competitiveness and Regional Development (Public Organization), or RwP, through the Program Management Unit for Technology and Innovation Funding for the Future Industry (PMUB) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), collaborated with the French Embassy in Thailand to open an international academic forum. "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 Hotel.
The event was honored by Professor Dr. Yossanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI, who chaired the opening and delivered the keynote speech, along with Mr. Danuporn Punnakan, Assistant Minister of MHESI; Associate Professor Dr. Weerapong Paesuwan, Chair of PMUB's Executive Committee and Acting Chair of its Subcommittee; and Dr. Nirawat Thamjak, Director of Human Capital Development and University, Research, and Innovation Funding Management Unit, acting as PMUB Director. The event aimed to create a platform for knowledge exchange between Thai and international researchers and to promote the application of cutting-edge science and research in conserving and advancing the nation's cultural heritage.
This event represents a key mission under RwP's new role, established by Royal Decree effective 1 January 2026, serving as the country's main mechanism to accelerate research and innovation toward tangible economic and social benefits. PMUB has been assigned to drive "Heritage Science" as a critical focus of future target industries, enhancing Thailand's competitiveness in the creative economy, quality tourism, and strengthening the nation’s Soft Power globally.
At the event, Professor Dr. Yossanan Wongsawat delivered a special keynote titled "Strategic Direction for Thailand," emphasizing that this forum is not merely an academic conference but a declaration of the Thai government's commitment to transforming the nation through research and innovation. The goal is to elevate Thailand to a high-income country while reinforcing national identity alongside sustainable development of the knowledge-based and creative economies.
The Minister of MHESI stated that the ministry is guided by the principle that science must serve society, aligning with the 2023-2027 Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation policy and strategy, which emphasizes interdisciplinary integration between STEM and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SHA) to improve quality of life and preserve national identity.
Thailand possesses a diverse and rich cultural heritage, considered a strategic national resource requiring care through credible scientific processes recognized internationally.
Moreover, this collaboration with the French Republic advances science diplomacy as a common language to build intellectual alliances, especially within the context of over 340 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France. The Heritage Science Forum marks the first official joint event by the two countries focusing on conserving cultural heritage values and serves as a foundation for Thailand to become the ASEAN regional center for Heritage Science in the future. PMUB is accelerating investment in "intellectual capital" to drive the creative economy through Frontier Research.
Dr. Nirawat Thamjak, acting PMUB Director, welcomed attendees and outlined the event’s objectives, explaining that under RwP's new management structure, PMUB’s mission has shifted to accelerating technology and innovation to boost national economic growth. PMUB continues to lead in supporting frontier research in AI, quantum technology, clean energy, and biotechnology, while placing greater emphasis on Heritage Science, integrating advanced technology in research and development.
Dr. Nirawat added that PMUB views Heritage Science as connecting past values and capital with modern knowledge to create social and economic impacts for the future using advanced technologies such as synchrotron light technology, nanomaterials science, and ancient DNA analysis to decode wisdom hidden in cultural artifacts. Simultaneously, it aims to break down barriers between STEM and SHA disciplines to cultivate highly skilled personnel who understand cultural dimensions and can use technology to create new societal value.
Additionally, PMUB connects Thai researchers with global networks through funding programs such as Global League, enabling Thai participation in key international partnerships, and Brainpower Linkage, supporting researcher exchanges with leading French and European institutions to elevate Thai research standards to world-class levels. Since 2023, PMUB has also supported postdoctoral and master's research exchange grants.
The event featured global case studies, including Dr. Sigrid Mirabaud from the French Ministry of Culture presenting on "Heritage Science: Connecting Research, Museums and Heritage Conservation," and Dr. Ann Bourges from the French National Museum Research and Restoration Center (C2RMF) discussing challenges of climate change on cultural heritage. There was also a panel on the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral restoration using advanced technologies to recover this iconic symbol of humanity.
From Thailand, Professor Dr. Rasamee Chusongdej of Silpakorn University spoke on Thai archaeology from past to future through science and technology, while Dr. Wantana Klaysubun of the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization) presented on advanced analytical techniques used to revive the "glass sheet" production technology of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, a cultural knowledge lost for nearly a century.
The event also showcased "The Journey of Heritage Science" exhibition, presenting six outstanding research projects, including decoding ancient gold from Phimai Historical Park, reviving Lanna glassmaking, computational analysis for restoring ancient murals, and applying LiDAR technology to discover archaeological evidence in the old cities of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet through collaboration between the French School of the Far East (EFEO) and the Fine Arts Department.
Overall, the event reflected the government's and MHESI's commitment to advancing science that creates societal value. PMUB, as the funding management unit, is strategically investing in intellectual capital and highly skilled human resources, forming a crucial foundation for Thailand's long-term cultural and economic security by building a research ecosystem linking universities, cultural agencies, research institutes, and international networks.