Thai-French Innovation Institute

Did you ever hear of a place where Thai and French ingenuity collide? This is the Thai-French Innovation Institute. Right here, at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, this institute stands as a testament to international collaboration. It all began in 1990 as a partnership between the Thai and French governments. The goal was simple: to boost Thailand’s industrial sector through technological advancements. France, in turn, sought long-term investment returns. The Thai-French Innovation Institute’s mission is to bring cutting-edge engineering knowledge and technology from France to Thailand. This benefits not only the Thai industrial sector but also university faculty and students. The institute achieves this through research, training programs, and adherence to international standards. The initial agreement, signed in 1991, laid the foundation for this innovative hub. Over three years, France contributed around 140 million baht. This covered tools, machinery, and equipment in welding, production automation, and simulation. Scholarships for Thai faculty were also provided. This included master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering, short-term training in various fields, and management programs. The Thai government committed 34 million baht to construct the eight-story building that houses the institute. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid the foundation stone in 1990 and officially opened the institute in 1992. She later presided over an exhibition in 2010, celebrating the institute’s 20th anniversary. Initially known as the Thai-French Innovation Center, it officially became the Thai-French Innovation Institute in 2008. The institute’s location on the 3rd floor makes it a readily accessible hub for innovation. Today, the Thai-French Innovation Institute continues to drive progress through research partnerships with global companies like PTTEP and TOTAL E&P Thailand. They even offer training accredited by the Welding Institute of Thailand and recognized internationally.