London Craft Week Strengthens Partnership with Thailand to Promote Thai Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Innovation on the Global Stage through MoU with NRCT
13 May 2026
London Craft Week Strengthens Partnership with Thailand to Promote Thai Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Innovation on the Global Stage through MoU with NRCT
On 12 May 2026, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led by Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of NRCT, and Mr. Guy Salter, Founder of London Craft Week, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation in research, innovation, and cultural design.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Mr. Nattawut Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to London, and Mrs. Priabthip Krishnamra, spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand to the UK. Also attending the event were Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakool, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT; Professor Peter Pilgrim; Dr. Alexandra Green; and representatives from Asia House London.
The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between Thailand and the United Kingdom in the fields of crafts, design, research, and cultural innovation. The partnership focuses on expanding and enhancing international exhibitions through the London Craft Week platform, while leveraging NRCT’s role in promoting science, research, and innovation. It also seeks to establish sustainable mechanisms for knowledge exchange in cultural heritage, creative industries, and innovation, thereby enhancing the capabilities of Thai researchers, designers, artisans, and creative professionals on the international stage.
Under the agreement, both parties will jointly support a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including the presentation of Thai arts and crafts, research achievements, and innovation-driven cultural products at London Craft Week and other international platforms throughout 2026. The partnership will also facilitate the development of international networks connecting researchers, designers, artisans, and experts from both countries, encouraging the creation of innovative works that successfully integrate local wisdom with contemporary design concepts.
Dr. Wiparat De-Ong stated that NRCT places great importance on leveraging Thailand’s cultural capital through research and creative innovation to generate economic value, social impact, and international recognition for the country. She noted that the collaboration with London Craft Week represents a significant milestone in building strategic partnerships with leading global organizations and creating opportunities to showcase Thai cultural research and innovation on the world stage.
“This Memorandum of Understanding serves as an important mechanism for advancing joint research initiatives, establishing international expert networks, and promoting Thailand’s creative economy through the sustainable utilization of cultural capital,” Dr. Wiparat said.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to positioning arts, crafts, and cultural innovation as powerful drivers of economic growth, international engagement, and cultural diplomacy. It also reinforces Thailand’s ambition to strengthen its role within the global creative economy while preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage through research and innovation.
Through this partnership, NRCT and London Craft Week are expected to create new opportunities for knowledge exchange, cross-cultural collaboration, and international visibility for Thai creative industries, further contributing to Thailand’s long-term development as a leading center of creativity and innovation in the region.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
