NIMT successfully hosted a seminar on “Quality Infrastructure for Performance Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices” on 19 March 2025 at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok. The event was presided over by Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of NIMT.

This seminar aimed to disseminate knowledge and present advancements in the development of quality infrastructure for photovoltaic performance measurement systems in Thailand. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange among experts, testing laboratories, industry professionals, and researchers, fostering collaborative network in the innovation and quality improvement of solar cell equipment as well as strengthening Thailand’s photovoltaic industry. This effort will contribute significantly to the sustainable growth of clean energy utilization in the country, both now and in the future.

The morning session featured with lectures from the honorary speakers, including:

• Dr. Stefan Winter, Expert from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), titled “Advances in Photovoltaic metrology at the PTB”
• Mr. Xiong Limin, Expert from National Institute of Metrology of China (NIM), titled “Recent development of solar PV standards at NIM”, and
• Dr. Oijai Ongrai, Senior Professional Metrologist from Thermometry and Optical Metrology Department of National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), as a Chair of APMP Energy Efficiency Focus Group, titled “Advancing Solar Energy through Collaboration: the Role of APMP Energy Efficiency”.

The afternoon session focused on Thailand’s photovoltaic industry and its application from the honorary speakers, including:

• Mr. Phuwadon Sunthornwipart, President of Thai Photovoltaic Industries Association (TPVA), titled “Opportunity and Challenges of Thailand’s photovoltaic industry”
• Prof. Dr. Vinich Promarak, Expert from Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), titled “Scaling up Perovskite Solar Cells for practical application”
• Dr. Manit Seapan, Expert from CES Solar Cells Testing Center (CSSC), titled “Energy rating according IEC 61853”
• Dr. Yaowanee Sangpongsanont, Expert from CES Solar Cells Testing Center (CSSC), titled “Analysis of PV system performance according IEC 61724”
• Ms. Rojana Leecharoen, Senior Professional Metrologist from Thermometry and Optical Metrology Department of National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), titled “Measurement capabilities of NIMT for solar simulator acc. ISO 60904-9”, and
• Dr. Thada Keawprasert, Group Leader of Light and Color from Thermometry and Optical Metrology Department of National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), titled “Spectral responsivity of PV cell acc. ISO 60904-8”

This seminar presented a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to learn, share experience, and inspire one another in creating innovations that will drive the future development of Thailand’s solar cell technology.

In conclusion, it can be said that metrology serves as the core essence of technological advancement and innovation, providing a foundation for precise and reliable measurement which is an essential prerequisite for progression across all disciplines. As the saying goes, “Accurate measurement is the key to success in every field of research and development”.

NIMT led by Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, Director, warmly welcomed Dr. Ralf Behr, Researcher from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) for a collaborative visit from 7 – 29 March 2025 and 6 – 8 April 2025 in the context of developing NIMT’s primary standard system for AC voltage measurement using the Josephson effect. This collaboration included the designing and programming control systems for measurement, as well as installing a calibration system for AC voltage sources utilizing the AC Quantum Voltmeter (ACQVM) technique, with a frequency range of up to 10 kHz.

With Dr. Ralf’s expertise, NIMT has determined to achieve and implement this system for maintaining the national measurement standard. Additionally, this collaboration has enhanced commitment between NIMT and PTB to fulfill the continuous development of emerging metrological measurement standards.

NIMT expert team led by Mrs. Natenapit Khumthukthit, Group Leader, together with Dr. Kanokwan Nontapot, Senior Professional Metrologist, and Mr. Chanasorn Nutsathaporn, Metrologist, from the Group of Direct Current, Low Frequency, High Frequency and Electromagnetics Fields, Electrical Metrology Department, participated in the study visit from 26 February to 9 March 2025. This collaboration is a part of ongoing project initiated by NIMT to establish traceability system of the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to enhance the telecommunication industry in Thailand.

The training scheme included the visit to the leading corporations specialized in optical calibration and measurement as follows:

• Bentham Instruments Limited, United Kingdom – to study the fundamental aspects and applications of Fiber Spectral Attenuation, important for fiber optic calibration system.
• AeroDIODE Corporation, France – to examine high-power laser for Time-of-Flight (ToF) measurements and Data pixel Fiber Surface Inspection techniques, significant for optical metrology and fiber length calibration.
• Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), Switzerland – to inspect the principle of operation for OTDR calibration system and visit traffic metrology laboratory of Switzerland’s national metrology institute.
• Luciol Instruments SA, Switzerland – to explore Single-Photon of OTDR and other applicable techniques.

This visiting program has reflected NIMT’s commitment to continuously improve, implement, and maintain national measurement capabilities in OTDR traceability system. Additionally, this endeavor will contribute to the development of Thailand’s telecommunication industry and serve its domestic demand.

Dr. Narin Chanthawong, Group Leader of Nano Metrology from Dimensional Metrology Department, attended the 2nd meeting of Forum on Metrology and Digitalization (FORUM-MD) and related Task Groups held on 17 – 21 February 2025 at BIPM Headquarters in Sèvres, France.

During the meeting, Dr. Narin presented the advancements in digital metrology and NIMT’s research contributions. The forum provided valuable insights into the latest advancements and perspectives on digital metrology. It also enabled the establishment of NIMT’s strategic framework for the development of digital metrology to align with the international standards. In addition, it cultivated the relationships with other National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and facilitated the planning of future collaboration.

Ms. Rugkanawan Wongpithayadisai – Outstanding Woman in International Networks, Public Sector Category Recipient of the Honorary Award on the Occasion of International Women’s Day 2025

On March 8, 2025, the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), extended its congratulations to Ms. Rugkanawan Wongpithayadisai, Head of the Hardness Laboratory in the Mechanical Metrology Department, for her distinguished professional accomplishments. Additionally, she has served as Deputy Quality Manager of NIMT and has actively engaged in international metrology initiatives since 2015. Through her steadfast dedication and expertise, she has earned recognition from prominent metrology institutions across the Asia-Pacific region, culminating in her appointment as Chair of the Technical Committee for Quality Systems (TCQS) within the Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP).

This appointment holds considerable significance, as it represents a pivotal role in fortifying and advancing the quality management systems in metrology across the Asia-Pacific region. In her capacity as Chair, Ms. Rugkanawan has been instrumental in fostering confidence in metrological quality assurance, thereby reinforcing global recognition of the region’s measurement capabilities.

Award Ceremony of International Women’s Day 2025

The establishment of confidence in metrology quality systems is a fundamental pillar in ensuring the global acceptance of measurement capabilities, which in turn, constitutes a critical component of a national quality infrastructure. A robust metrology system serves as a catalyst for the development of products that meet higher standards, enhance consumer safety, bolster competitiveness in the global market, and ultimately contribute to economic prosperity and good quality of life.

Ms. Rugkanawan is a distinguished woman who has engaged in international metrology networks. Her professional excellence and strong interpersonal presence have earned the admiration of colleagues worldwide, making her a role model for Thai women. Her selection as APMP TCQS Chair, along with other key international roles, is a testament to her outstanding capabilities, recognized not only in Thailand but also on the global stage.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she has consistently sought to promote and preserve Thai cultural heritage on the global stage. Her efforts include incorporating traditional Thai greetings, using Thai language in international forums, and donning traditional Thai attire on appropriate occasions – initiatives that have been met with admiration and appreciation from the international community.

The 8th March is recognized globally as International Women’s Day. In Thailand, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, through the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, organizes an annual selection of outstanding women, individuals, and organizations to honor their contributions to society and the nation. This year, under the theme “Three Decades of the Beijing Declaration: Opportunities and Challenges for Gender Equality for Women and Girls,” the National Institute of Metrology is proud to support the role of Thai female metrologist.

This year’s distinguished recipient of the Outstanding Woman in International Networks (Public Sector Category) award is Ms. Rugkanawan Wongpithayadisai. This prestigious honor recognizes her dedication, achievements, and contributions to the society and the nation. The award ceremony was held at Pakorn Angsusingh Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Department of Social Development and Welfare Building, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Bangkok.

On 26 February 2025, Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of NIMT, together with Mr. Anusorn Tonmuenwai, Deputy Director, Head of Mechanical Metrology Department, Group Leaders and metrologists welcomed Professor Dr. Chalermchon Satirapod, Head of the Department of Survey Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, and expert team in geodesic instruments from Australia, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan to discuss the calibration of geodesic instruments and visit NIMT’s laboratories. The event was held at Phadungmat Building and Railway System Development Building, Klong 5, Pathumthani Province.

Mrs. Natenapit Khumthukthit, Group Leader, together with Fs.1 Voraphol Phapukdee, Senior Professional Metrologist from the Group of Direct Current, Low Frequency, High Frequency and Electromagnetics Fields, Electrical Metrology Department, participated in APMP Key Comparison on DC Resistance held on 15-24 February 2025 at Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS).

This key comparison has initiated by APMP members since 2023, aiming to ensure the measurement procedure and its comparison results compliance with CIPM-MRA and APMP requirements. By participating this program, NIMT has successfully developed their measurement and technical capabilities in the filed of DC Resistance.

In the meantime, Mrs. Natenapit and Fs.1 Voraphol also discussed the possibility of the collaborative research project on the study and assessment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, a future scheme initiated by NIMT to support the worldwide expanding of electric cars as well as to enhance the reliability of traceable measurement of EV infrastructure in Thailand.

Dr. Kanjana Hongthong and Miss Nusara Yinyom, metrologists from NIMT, recently participated in the ESI-QTOF Essential Operator Training Course (Preteomics) on 11-16 January 2025 in Germany.
This training aimed to enhance their knowledge and skills in Ultra-high resolution Quadrapole Time-of-Flight Mass spectrometer (UHR Q-TOF MS) technology, with a main focus on its application in proteomics. The knowledge gained from the training will be applied to the studies of peptide, protein purity, and particularly PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera) quantification-an emerging technology utilized to destruct intracellular proteins. The PROTAC molecules work by binding to the target proteins and degrading malfunctional proteins. This is significantly beneficial to the drug development and therapeutics.

By participating this event, NIMT metrologists intent to contribute their knowledge to the advancement of measurement technologies in proteomics, furthering collaborative research project in biomedical sciences and attending measurement comparison program.

Dr. Charun Yafa, Assistant Director of NIMT, was invited as a consultant to conduct the final PT Scheme Evaluation Workshop held by SNSU-BSN in Indonesia during 15-16 January 2025. This program was the collaboration between NIMT and PTB under the project on “Strengthening Quality Infrastructure Services for Environmental and Climate Monitoring, Indonesia”. It aimed to conclude the evaluation of the Proficiency Testing (PT) Scheme for quality infrastructure in environmental and climate monitoring.

During the visit, Dr. Charun shared valuable experience and best practices in the assessment of PT schemes, identification of areas for improvement, and strategies for implementing quality control measures. His consultancy made an important contribution to the project progress.

The PTB Cooperation Project similarly marks a significant milestone of strengthening Indonesia’s capacity building and quality infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international standards, and supporting sustainable environmental monitoring practices.