On 4 April 2024, NXPO, in collaboration with the Comptroller General’s Department and the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), hosted a seminar on “Procurement Guidelines for Research, Development and Academic Services in Higher Education Institutions”. The hybrid event attracted over 1,000 attendees both in-person and online. 

In his welcome remarks, NXPO President Dr. Kitipong Promwong stated that the seminar aimed to disseminate information on the new procurement criteria for research, development, and academic services to university officials. These revised criteria are designed to address the restrictions of the current public procurement regulations. He expressed gratitude to partners from all sectors involved in the regulatory reform endeavors, which have led to the introduction of several new initiatives, including the establishment of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, the Higher Education Act B.E. 2562 (2019), the Thailand Research and Innovation Utilization Promotion (TRIUP) Act, and the new R&D procurement guidelines that became effective on 27 October 2023. 

Dr. Kitipong highlighted that the new procurement criteria would expedite the procurement process, thereby enhancing the efficiency of research, development and academic services, ultimately fostering their tangible contributions to the economy and society. Specifically, the criteria empower project investigators to approve budgets up to THB 1 million, a substantial increase from the previous cap of THB 100,000, applicable to a THB 200-million budget. They also facilitate advanced procurement, specific procurement from overseas, and the post-project transfer of asset to communities.  

The event featured a panel discussion on the policy and significance of procurement for research and development and academic service activities in higher education institutions. The panelists included NXPO Vice President Dr. Siriporn Pittayasophon, Asst. Prof. Dr. Prasert Kanthamanon representing CUPT, and Ms. Ampawan Pookdam, Legal Officer at the Comptroller General’s Department. 

Dr. Siriporn discussed government policies related to higher education, science, research, and innovation, emphasizing university curriculum to meet labor market needs, leveraging higher education, science, research, and innovation to address national challenges, and elevating universities to international standards. She highlighted how the updated procurement criteria would catalyze research, development and academic service activities in universities, enabling research and innovation to drive economic and social impacts. 

Dr. Prasert outlined the limitations of the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and explained how the new criteria help overcome these constraints. 

Ms. Ampawan discussed the critical role of the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act B.E. 2560 (2017) in ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness in public procurement processes. 

Following the panel discussion, detailed information on the procurement guidelines and procedures for research, development and academic services were presented by Ms. Salilwan Klubprasit, Senior Director of the Policy Council Secretariat Division at NXPO and Mr. Pasapong Areerak, Director of Public Administration in Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation System Division at NXPO.