History of the
Thai-French Innovation Institute
The “Thai-French Innovation Institute” is a collaborative project between the Thai and French governments, aimed at being an organization that supports King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok in developing technology in the production process and advancing human resources in science and technology for the Thai industrial sector to become more efficient. In return, France expects long-term investment returns. This collaboration involves the dissemination of modern technologies to educational institutions and businesses in developing countries. Additionally, it strengthens the relationship between the two countries in terms of scientific and technological cooperation under the agreement signed by the representatives of both governments in three copies.
The first agreement was signed on October 13, 2534 B.E. (1991) in Bangkok between the Thai Ministry of Finance and the French Ministry of Finance, through the project to support Thailand’s economic development.
The second agreement, known as the Implementation Agreement, was signed on December 18, 2534 B.E. (1991) in Paris and January 3, 2535 B.E. (1992) in Bangkok between the representatives of both governments.
The third agreement was signed on October 29, 2534 B.E. (1991) in Paris between KMUTNB and the French Federation of Mechanical Industries to establish the Thai-French Innovation Technology Center.
During the initial three years, the French government, in collaboration with L’AIR LIQUIDE Group, the Federation of French Mechanical Industries, and France DIDAC, will provide support to this project, with an estimated total value of around 140 million baht. This support encompasses tools, machinery, and equipment in three main groups: Welding, Automation of Production, and Simulation, focusing on Energy, Aeronautics, Electronics, and Computers. These resources will be allocated to King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok. Additionally, funding will be allocated for scholarships for faculty members, totaling 68 scholarships. The scholarships will be distributed as follows: 6 scholarships for master’s degree programs in Aerospace Engineering, 50 scholarships for short-term training programs, including 12 scholarships for Machinery and Automation, 18 scholarships for Welding and Materials Testing, and 20 scholarships for Electrical-Electronics and Computer Engineering. Furthermore, there will be 12 scholarships for managerial personnel.
According to this agreement, the Thai government will allocate personnel to support the project and manage a budget of 34 million baht for construction. This funding will be used to construct an 8-story practical operations building with a total floor area of 3,200 square meters, referred to as the Thai-French Innovation Center.
Thai-French Innovation Institute received the gracious royal patronage from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on October 2, 2533 B.E. (1990) when Her Majesty graciously laid the foundation stone for the Thai-French Innovation Institute. Furthermore, on June 5, 2535 B.E. (1992), Her Majesty presided over the official opening of the institute, accompanied by the consecration ceremony and the exhibition of modern machinery and equipment provided by various French companies under the cooperation program. Additionally, on October 22, 2553 B.E. (2010), Her Majesty graciously presided over the academic technology exhibition of Thai and French technologies on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Thai-French Innovation Institute at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
In addition, on December 26, 2550 B.E. (2007), the Royal Decree established King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, announced in the Royal Gazette Volume 124, Section 98ก. Subsequently, the University Council issued a proclamation on February 13, 2551 B.E. (2008), regarding the establishment of departments within the university. In accordance with Clause 4, faculties, colleges, institutes, and offices were to be established. Therefore, the “Thai-French Innovation Center” was established as a faculty within King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and officially named the “Thai-French Innovation Institute.” This announcement was published in the Royal Gazette Volume 125, Special Section 68ง, Page 21, on April 4, 2551 B.E.
