Bangkok, Thailand – 23 June 2026 – The Thai-French Innovation Institute (TFII), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), celebrated its 36th Anniversary under the theme “36 Years of Thai-French Innovation: Towards a Low-Carbon and Renewable Energy Future.” The event brought together distinguished representatives from the French Embassy in Thailand, led by H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Thailand; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), represented by Dr. Punpermsak Aruni, Deputy Permanent Secretary; KMUTNB executives, led by Prof. Dr. Teravuti Boonyasopon, Chairman of the KMUTNB Council; as well as partner universities, industrial organizations, researchers, alumni, and stakeholders from Thailand and France. The celebration reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to advancing innovation, industrial development, international cooperation, and sustainable human resource development.
The anniversary celebration featured exhibitions highlighting TFII’s achievements and future directions, academic and industrial networking activities, and discussions on emerging technologies supporting the transition toward a low-carbon and renewable energy future. Participants explored opportunities for collaboration in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, smart industrial systems, corrosion engineering, welding technology, and technology transfer initiatives that will contribute to Thailand’s long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth.
This year’s celebration also coincides with the commemoration of 170 years of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries in education, science, technology, and innovation. Over the decades, cooperation between Thailand and France has expanded through academic exchanges, joint research, industrial collaboration, and human resource development. TFII stands as one of the most visible and enduring outcomes of this partnership.
In his congratulatory message, H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimbœuf, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Thailand, described TFII as one of the most successful and visible examples of Thai-French cooperation. He emphasized that the Institute reflects the longstanding friendship between the two nations and continues to play an important role in strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation, and industrial development.
Established through a bilateral cooperation initiative between the Governments of Thailand and France, the Thai-French Innovation Institute (TFII) commenced operations in 1992 with the mission of strengthening engineering education, technology transfer, and industrial development in Thailand. During its establishment, the French Government and French industrial partners provided advanced engineering and industrial equipment valued at approximately 140 million baht, laying the foundation for a long-standing partnership that has contributed significantly to Thailand’s technological and industrial development.
Over the past 36 years, TFII has evolved into a leading center for technology transfer, industrial training, applied research, testing and inspection services, consultancy, and international collaboration. Since its establishment, the Institute has trained more than 127,000 professionals through over 5,000 specialized training courses and provided services to more than 3,000 organizations. During the past five years alone, TFII has completed over 1,100 academic service projects, conducted more than 600 testing and inspection projects, analyzed over 3,500 industrial samples, and maintained customer satisfaction exceeding 90 percent. The Institute’s researchers have also produced more than 130 international publications and received over 1,400 international citations, reflecting its growing contribution to scientific advancement and technological innovation.
Today, TFII’s activities encompass strategic areas including welding technology, corrosion engineering, electrical and energy engineering, automation, smart manufacturing systems, renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and industrial innovation. Through specialized centers such as the TFII–Schneider Electric Center of Excellence, the Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry and Corrosion Technology (CoE-ECT), the Electrical Engineering–Thai French Research Center (EE-TFRC), and the Renewable Energy Research Centre (RERC), the Institute continues to support Thailand’s transition toward advanced industry and sustainable energy systems
A significant outcome of Thai-French cooperation has been the development of highly qualified academic personnel. Numerous KMUTNB faculty members and researchers have pursued advanced studies and earned degrees from leading French universities, strengthening long-term academic and research collaboration between the two countries while contributing to the internationalization of Thai higher education.
          Asst. Prof. Dr. Pornsak Srisungsitthisunti, Director of the Thai-French Innovation Institute, stated that for more than three decades, TFII has served as a platform for technology transfer, industrial services, advanced engineering education, and research collaboration between Thailand and France. He noted that the Institute’s achievements reflect the strength of long-standing international cooperation in developing human capital, supporting industry, and advancing innovation for national development.
As TFII enters its fourth decade, the Institute remains committed to expanding international collaboration, strengthening research and innovation capabilities, supporting future industries, and developing highly skilled human resources capable of addressing the technological and sustainability challenges of the future.