NRCT Pays Courtesy Call on the Ambassador in Washington, D.C., United States, During Visit to Attend STS forum Council Meeting and Discuss Research and Innovation Collaboration
15 January 2026
On 15 January 2026, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), led a delegation of NRCT executives and academic advisory committee on a courtesy call to H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to Washington, D.C.. The visit took place during the delegation’s mission to attend the Council Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum and to engage in discussions with U.S. research and innovation agencies. The delegation was warmly received by H.E. the Ambassador, together with Ms. Pemika Lusnanond, Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Thitidet Tularak, Minister Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation).
During the meeting, Ambassador Suriya welcomed the delegation and outlined key directions of current U.S. government policy, particularly the National Security Strategy announced in November last year. The Strategy places clear emphasis on strengthening U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation—especially in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and quantum technology—with the primary objective of reinforcing domestic industrial security.
The Ambassador also shared perspectives on the evolving U.S. policy context, noting an increased emphasis on the “America First” approach. He highlighted that the long-standing strength of the U.S. research system is underpinned by two key factors:
(1) Academic freedom, which ensures intellectual openness and space for scholarly debate; and
(2) A liberal regime that fosters an open and enabling environment for attracting international researchers—both of which form the foundation of U.S. scientific leadership.
On this occasion, Dr. Wiparat expressed her appreciation to the Ambassador for the warm reception and reported on the delegation’s mission to attend the STS forum Council Meeting and to discuss cooperation with U.S. research and innovation agencies. The objective was to exchange experiences, strengthen collaborative networks, and explore opportunities for joint research initiatives addressing priority issues of mutual interest. Both sides agreed on the importance of advancing Thailand–U.S. cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, with a focus on designing collaborative frameworks aligned with U.S. policy priorities and delivering mutual benefits.
In addition, the NRCT delegation met with Ms. Thanatta Suwannapaiboon, Counsellor (Agriculture) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., to exchange information and discuss approaches to supporting research collaboration and trade in Thai agricultural products in the U.S. market. Discussions focused in particular on facilitating the import of Thai fruits into the United States, including compliance with agricultural quality standards and market requirements. Strengthening cooperative networks with relevant agencies will help develop effective pathways to support the future import of Thai fruits into the U.S. market.
