PTT to join with EECI for R&D programme

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) signed a memorandum of understanding with PTT Plc to combine the development of PTT’s Wang Chan Valley in Rayong and the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECI), says Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee.

The government plans to invite researchers from 21 countries, including Japan, China, Cuba, Iran, Israel, India, Germany and Britain, to invest in both the innovation and R&D centres in Thailand.

“PTT will finish the first phase of its Wang Chan Valley infrastructure project in 2018,” Mr Suvit said. “The project will include roads, water pipelines and power plants to serve the centre. NSTDA prepared a budget of 1.5 billion baht for the valley.”

The government aims to improve the country’s competitiveness through innovation and technology.

“Recently Japan, Taiwan and China expressed interest in investing in PTT’s Wang Chan Valley’s R&D centres,” said Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office. “SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, a Chinese state-owned automotive design and manufacturing company headquartered in Shanghai, plans to invest in Wang Chan’s battery R&D centre.”

The government is set to speed up the high-speed train project, which will connect three airports (totalling 210 billion baht), renovate U-tapao airport (worth 160 billion), update deep-sea ports at Sattahip, Map Ta Phut and Laem Chabang (totalling 8 billion) and other infrastructure projects worth more than 150 billion baht.

Tevin Vongvanich, president of PTT, said the company plans to develop infrastructure in 760 rai of the valley. The second phase sees an expansion to 1,200 rai.

The EECI project falls within the “smart city” government initiative. PTT’s Wang Chan area is already a hub of academic activity, housing KVIS and VISTEC research schools that opened their doors in 2015. Less than half of the land will be devoted to academic purposes.