On 10 April 2025, a delegation from the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), led by Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, Director, visited the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan, to formally renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on metrology cooperation and to further enhance technical collaboration.

Warmly welcomed by NICT’s senior executives:

• Motoaki YASUI, Vice-President
• Katsuhiro NAKAGAWA, Director General, Applied Electromagnetic Research Institute
• Souichi WATANABE, Director, Radio Research Institute, Electromagnetic Standards Research Center
• Tetsuya IDO, Director, Space-Time Standards Laboratory, Applied Radio Research Institute
• Hiroshi EMOTO, Director, International Research Advancement Office, Global Alliance Department

As part of the visit, the delegation toured NICT’s cutting-edge research facilities, including:

• Strontium Optical Lattice Clock, one of the most precise atomic clocks in the world
• Wireless Two-Way Interferometry (Wi-Wi) for remote time transfer and in-door positioning
• GNSS-based Time Transfer systems
• Japan Standard Time (JST) system operations
• Headquarters Exhibition Room showcasing NICT’s innovation and technological milestones

Key Discussion Topics:

Key discussion during the visit centered around strengthening collaboration through joint researcher exchange programs. Both institutes expressed mutual interest in facilitating research opportunities.

Potential Benefits for Thailand:

This renewed MoU and the proposed researcher exchange initiative are expected to bring substantial benefits to Thailand, including:

• Enhancing the expertise and capability of Thai researchers in advanced metrology
• Strengthening national infrastructure in time and frequency standards
• Supporting high-precision technologies such as satellite communications, GNSS, 6G, and quantum applications
• Promoting Thailand’s visibility and scientific standing in international metrology communities

This visit marks a significant step forward in fostering sustained metrological cooperation between Thailand and Japan and reinforces the commitment of both institutes to excellence in time and frequency measurement research and development.

NIMT successfully organized a training on the Calibration of Hydrometers from 8 to 11 April 2025. The course was designed for colleagues from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Republic of the Philippines; namely, Engr. Ma Nazarene M. Baculanta and Engr. Racquel O. Remorque.

Throughout the training, Engr. Ma Nazarene and Engr. Racquel engaged in an in-depth exploration of both the theoretical framework and practical applications related to hydrometers. The sessions were led by Dr. Chompoonoot Hirunyapruk, supported by her assistant, Mr. Monchai Mitaree, who jointly imparted the valuable knowledge and shared their extensive experience in hydrometer calibration.

The achievement of this program was to significantly enhance ITDI’s measurement capabilities in hydrometers and optimize its calibration system for the greater effectiveness. It further reinforced the metrology collaboration between NIMT and ITDI, encompassing both ongoing initiatives and prospective undertakings.

On 26 March 2025, NIMT organized the online workshop on “Calibration capability for insulation/syringe pump analyzers” to summarize the overall results of the collaborative project – MEDEA 3.0: Metrology – Enabling Developing Economies in Asia. The participants consisted of representatives from NMIs in DEC and APMP countries.

The concept of this workshop was “Testing Procedures of Infusion Pump and Calibration Procedures Guidelines of Infusion Device Analyzer, Final Report of Pilot Study on Infusion Device Analyzer Comparison and Success Story”, facilitating for participants to discuss, present reports and exchange their opinions. Its result and feedback would be concluded and outlined for the future implementation of this project.

On 24 March 2025, NIMT hosted the executive meeting of Designated Institutes (DIs) of Thailand and the agency under APMP membership, chaired by Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, the Director of NIMT. The participants consisted of representatives from NIMT, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), and the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSc). The meeting aimed to discuss the potential collaboration in the development of chemical measurement capabilities and measurement standards for the future technologies, driving the advancement of the national metrology system towards global recognition. It was held at Matra Dhamrong building, Klong 5, Pathumthani province.

NIMT successfully organized the assessment of technical competence of Impedance and Electrical Resistance from 17 – 21 March 2025. It was honored to welcome Dr. Jan Kučera, Technical Expert from the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI), Ms. Sirorat Thonhamkaew and Ms. Panida Somwan, Quality Experts from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) for the assessment of Impedance and Electrical Resistance Laboratories of the Electrical Metrology Department. This activity aimed to improve NIMT’s technical competence and ensure the compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. It was held at Phadungmatra building, Klong 5, Pathumthani province.

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.