On 6 June 2025, NXPO welcomed a delegation from the Defence Science and Technology Department (DSTD), led by Lieutenant General Atthapong Pitchayaporn, Director-General of DSTD.
During the meeting, NXPO President Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat provided an overview of Thailand’s higher education, science, research, and innovation system, with the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, serving as the country’s top decision-making body. He also outlined the roles, missions, and functions of NXPO as the secretariat to the council, acting as a national think tank in the higher education and science domain.
Lieutenant General Atthapong Pitchayaporn shared an overview of DSTD’s roles and responsibilities as a key agency under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence, which plays a pivotal role in steering and managing Thailand’s defense science and technology initiatives. The department is tasked with enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces and supporting national security. Since the 2019 reform of the higher education and science system, DSTD has actively driven research and innovation in the field of defense technology.
The two organizations also engaged in discussions to explore ways of refining and repositioning DSTD’s missions to further strengthen national security research and innovation efforts, with a shared aim of transforming defense-related research outcomes into commercial applications.
