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.
