Dr. Pun-arj Chairatana, the executive director of National Innovation Agency (Public Agency) or NIA discusses potential collaborations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of India with H.E. Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Thailand. Under the concept of “Innovation Diplomacy”, this also commemorates Thailand’s assumption of the chairmanship of BIMSTEC for 2022 – 2023 (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
Effective immediately, NIA proposes the start of 5 practical projects; namely, 1) Linking Thai universities with Deep Tech capabilities to the relevant Indian authorities 2) Promotion of Thai-India Landing and Launching Pads for startups, particularly in food and agricultural sectors, or SPACE-F program by NIA 3) Connecting with Startup India’s extensive networks and inviting Startup India to join SEASA 2022 (Southeast Asian Startup Assembly) 4) Sharing the concept of ‘Innovation Districts’ with Indian local authorities and municipalities 5) Supporting and facilitating Indian enterprises in Thailand via the India Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC).
Other notable Thai-India relationship and development ideas are; for example, the strengthening of soft power in the entertainment industries utilizing the stunt choreography expertise or the creativity of the Thais or even Gangubai fever at the present, the promotion of Food and Spice Diplomacy as Thailand is a major importer of Indian spices, the supporting of entrepreneurs in the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green), specifically in environmentally friendly, utensils, tools, and packaging.