Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) On April 8, 2026, His Excellency Sihasak Puangkchok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, held a working meeting with Professor and Dr. Yochanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, focusing on in-depth discussions on promoting Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) diplomacy. SRI diplomacy, as a core component of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs' economic diplomacy policy, is highly consistent with the overall diplomatic strategy of the Thai government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak emphasized that SRI is a crucial support for diplomatic work and economic diplomacy, aiming to enhance international confidence in Thailand, strengthen the country's comprehensive national strength, and promote deeper cooperation between Thailand and its partners. Currently, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially launched its SRI diplomacy strategy, leveraging its nearly 100 embassies and consulates worldwide to provide a framework for systematic and pragmatic cooperation and the establishment of an international network in the field of science, research and innovation. He also invited the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to participate in signing a "Letter of Intent on SRI Diplomacy," working together with relevant institutions to jointly promote SRI diplomacy under the "Thailand Team" framework.
During the talks, both sides exchanged views on key areas of cooperation, including healthcare, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and PM2.5 pollution control. A dedicated coordination mechanism has been established, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will subsequently lead a series of online meetings between Deputy Prime Minister Yochanan and Thai ambassadors to relevant countries to accelerate substantive progress in key areas of science and technology diplomacy.
