NRCT Pays a Courtesy Call on the Ambassador in Brussels, Belgium, during an STI Cooperation Mission
6 June 2026
NRCT Pays a Courtesy Call on the Ambassador in Brussels, Belgium, during an STI Cooperation Mission
On 5 June 2026, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), together with Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of the NRCT, and an NRCT delegation, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium, in Brussels. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange information and discuss approaches to strengthening science, research and innovation (SRI) cooperation between Thailand and Belgium, as well as to explore opportunities for expanding collaboration with the European Union (EU) in areas that would contribute to national development.
On this occasion, Ambassador Kanchana Patarachoke expressed her appreciation for the successful establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NRCT and the Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS). The agreement marks an important milestone in science, research and innovation cooperation between Thailand and Belgium, reflecting the shared commitment of both parties to advancing academic and research collaboration and fostering future cooperation in human resource development, research, and technology.
During the discussions, Dr. Wiparat exchanged views on emerging trends and opportunities for Thailand–Belgium cooperation in science, research and innovation. The discussions also focused on strengthening connections among researchers, research institutions, and research support organizations in both countries to promote joint research and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, technology, and innovation in areas of mutual interest and strategic potential. These areas include the circular economy, defence and security technologies, and the semiconductor industry, where Belgium possesses significant expertise and strong potential for collaboration with Thailand.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to leverage European Union research and innovation support mechanisms and programmes to promote technology transfer, strengthen linkages among academia, research institutions, and industry, and support the development of networks for Thai researchers abroad. In addition, they emphasized the role of science diplomacy as a key mechanism for advancing international cooperation, strengthening academic excellence, and supporting sustainable national development.
The courtesy call marked another important step in strengthening the longstanding relations between Thailand and Belgium. It also reaffirmed the NRCT’s commitment to expanding international networks in science, research and innovation, paving the way for enhanced research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation development for the mutual benefit of both countries.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
