Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, Minister of Transport, and H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to Thailand, were the co-presidents and witnesses in the signing ceremony held on 15th December 2022, at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel. Mr. Chayatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, also participated in the ceremony.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (Public Organization) and the business group of the French railway system, consisting of five companies, marks another step towards enhancing cooperation in personnel development, technology, and innovation. The companies involved in this partnership include:

EGIS Rail (Thailand) Company Limited, a consultant specializing in construction engineering, transportation infrastructure, and design, with a quality control system in all operational procedures.

Alstom, a leader in transportation with modern and eco-friendly technology.

Vossloh Cogifer S.A., a manufacturer and distributor of equipment related to railway systems, including main parts, module customization, and maintenance.

Systra MVA (Thailand) Company Limited, a group of engineers and consultants who are experts in the world of transport and transportation, covering construction, telecommunication signalling system, station design, and ticketing system.

Poma SAS, an expert in manufacturing cable cars and providing transportation systems in cities, valleys, tourist attractions, and factories.

Together, this partnership seeks to leverage the expertise of each company and contribute to the development of the railway system through collaborative efforts. Mr. Saksayam Chidchob stated that this collaboration aims to establish concrete cooperation in various fields, including the following: 1) The creation of the Rail Academy, a crucial mechanism for developing railway system personnel, including skilled technicians and expert engineers, through collaboration with network institutes and agencies, such as the State Railway of Thailand and related government and private sectors. 2) The establishment of cooperation between the private sectors of France and Thailand to build the railway system parts manufacturing industry in Thailand, which is part of the Thai First Policy of the Ministry of Transport. This initiative aims not only to manufacture components but also to cultivate strong Thai entrepreneurs who can compete in the global market. 3) Mutual research and development, technology transfer, and innovation sharing between the French railway system business group and Thailand's research and development network to promote Thailand as a hub for technology and innovation in the region. The Ministry of Transport believes that this collaboration will create opportunities to share technology and knowledge, leading to innovations, capacity-building, business opportunities, and cooperation that will benefit both Thailand and France. Additionally, this initiative will enhance rail transportation systems in ASEAN, regional, and international levels, thereby facilitating transportation, reducing logistic costs, building economic opportunities, and improving the competitive capacity of Thailand's railway system industry on the world stage sustainably.

Overall, this collaboration demonstrates the government's commitment to driving railway system development in Thailand, promoting economic growth and competitiveness, and ensuring long-term sustainability.