The International Policy Partnership Division of NXPO participated in the Annual International Relations Network Workshop, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) from 23–25 April 2025. The event aimed to strengthen the network of international relations offices within MHESI agencies, enhance inter-agency collaboration, exchange updates on international cooperation efforts, and analyze challenges in advancing international partnerships.
Dr. Doungkamon Phihusut, Policy Developer at NXPO, took part in the program held in Nakhon Pathom Province from 23–24 April 2025. Activities included a study visit to the Ban Sala Din community water resource management project, implemented by the Hydro–Informatics Institute (HII). The project integrates historical flood data analysis with disaster monitoring and prevention strategies.
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants engaged in group discussions and brainstorming sessions to identify practical solutions for common challenges. A Roadmap for International Cooperation was developed to guide future collaboration with strategic partner countries.
On 25 April 2025, the program continued at the Mandarin Hotel Bangkok, featuring a special lecture on strengthening bilateral cooperation, using the Thailand–UK partnership as a case study. The day also included a panel discussion titled “Disaster Management through Technology and Innovation via International Cooperation Mechanisms”, moderated by Dr. Pranpreya Sriwannawit Lundberg, Director of the International Policy Partnership Division at NXPO.
The panel showcased diverse approaches to leveraging technology and innovation for disaster management, including:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Djitt Laowattana, Founder and Advisor of the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi — on deploying field robots for rescue and relief operations.
- Dr. Peeranan Towashiraporn, Director of the Geospatial Information Department, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) — on data processing and analytics for forecasting risk areas and identifying vulnerable populations.
- Dr. Paiboon Nuannin, Seismologist and former Vice President of Songkhla Rajabhat University — on preparing specialists and personnel for earthquake monitoring and response.
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Pakpoom Buabthong, Deputy Director of the Lifelong Learning Office, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University — on enhancing community preparedness for disaster response and adaptation, with case studies from Nakhon Ratchasima.
The discussion underscored the critical role of international cooperation networks in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and cross-border collaboration for effective disaster preparedness and management. Panelists also shared examples of past successful partnerships and emphasized the importance of comprehensive readiness across all disaster phases — from emergency response to post-disaster recovery. Technological solutions highlighted included:
- Satellite imaging technologies for assessment of disaster-affected and inhabited areas, presented by Dr. Suraswadi Phumpanich, Senior Geoinformatics Specialist at the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
- Emergency potable water production systems and rapid water quality testing kits for disaster-stricken communities, introduced by Dr. Nuttaporn Pimpha, Director of the Nanocatalysis, Adsorption, and Simulation Research Group at the National Nanotechnology Center, NANOTEC-NSTDA.
These innovations are vital in enhancing disaster management capabilities and ensuring timely, effective responses to future emergencies.
