RTRDA in collaboration with CMU (Chiang Mai University), has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation for the Development of Innovation Railway Technology in Thailand.

On January 22, 2024, Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (Public Organization) or RTRDA, together with Chiang Mai University, officially signed a Morandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of innovative railway technology in Thailand. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chotchai Charoenngam, Chairman of RTRDA, and Prof. Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University, co-signed the MOU. The signing was witnessed by representatives from both organizations, including Dr. Piang-or Laohavilai, Committee Member, Dr. Kanrawee Thongpull, Vice President and Acting President of RTRDA, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongchai Fongsamootr, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rujira Ooncharoen, Dean of International College of Digital Innovation. Consultants, executives, and personnel from both agencies were also present at the ceremony, which took place at the Phraya Srivisarnwacha conference room in the Rector's Office Building at Chiang Mai University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chotchai Charoenngam addressed that RTRDA has been entrusted by the Ministry of Transport to meet the goals of developing the country’s rail system which is a pivotal mission and carries significant potential to make a substantial impact on both the country and the people if carried out successfully. Therefore, integrating expertise and rallying all sectors of the county to collaborate on research endeavors aimed at enhancing comprehensive transportation capabilities and creating tangible economic and societal benefits. Therefore, it will serve as a critical catalyst for driving the evolution of Thailand’s rail system. This cooperation is envisioned to serve as a gateway of opportunity, facilitating economic and industrial connectivity with the global arena. By addressing the needs of national development and promoting Thailand's railway industry to international standards, the agreement holds the promise of fostering sustained growth and prosperity on both domestic and international fronts.

Prof. Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University, emphasized the significance of today's signing ceremony, highlighting its purpose in supporting research and development efforts in new technology and innovation in rail systems, specifically tailored for domestic implementation. He emphasized the importance of promoting the transfer and exchange of knowledge between agencies, particularly regarding the framework and mechanisms. Additionally, he stressed the importance of tools and methodologies that support technology development, alongside domestic parts production (Local Content), which collectively contribute to shaping the factors influencing the nation's future development trajectory.

The signing of this MOU signifies a collaborative effort to pool resources with our partners, focusing on modern research and development initiatives which will create an academic team comprising individuals with specialized expertise and extensive experience. Moreover, it serves as a platform for the integration of knowledge in collaboration with various departments within the university and the Ministry of Transport. Moving forward, the next step will be to determine the details of conducting research and development projects in the rail transport system to raise the country's competitiveness and contribute to the establishment of Thai standards for the railway system that have the potential to local content which is concrete and sustainable in the railway industry.

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