May 20, 2025 – Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), delegated Ms. Suchada Zhang Thaensap, Secretary to the Minister, to officiate the opening ceremony of a seminar commemorating World Metrology Day and celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Metre Convention and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Held under the theme “Measurements for all times, for all people”, the event aimed to raise awareness and in-depth understanding of the role of metrology and quantum technologies, foster the collaboration and international networks, and promote innovation and scientific and technological education at all levels.
The seminar was jointly organized by the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) in collaboration with the Office of Atoms for Peace, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), the National Science Museum, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Central Bureau of Weights and Measures of the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce. It took place at the Activity Hall on the 1st floor of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) in Bangkok.
The event featured keynote addresses from distinguished guests, both domestic and international, including:
- H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand
- Dr. Martin J. T. Milton, Director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), France
- Mr. Thepphinyo Kotnon, Director of Central Bureau of Weights and Measures, Department of Internal Trade, Representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce
- Dr.-Ing. Frank Lienesch, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany
- Dr. Takehiro Morioka, National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ)
- Dr. Sivinee Sawatdiaree, National Institute of Metrology (Thailand)
In addition, a special exhibition—presented in Thailand for the first time—was unveiled, comprising four thematic zones:
Zone 1: The Metre Convention and the Evolution of Thai Measurement Systems since 1897
Zone 2: Development of the SI Units (International System of Units)
Zone 3: Thailand’s National Measurement Standards
Zone 4: Measurement for a Sustainable Future
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“150 Years of the Metre Convention: Foundations of Measurement for the Quantum Future.”
May 20, 2025, marks a globally significant occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention—an international agreement establishing a measurement system. Signed in 1875 by 17 founding nations, the Convention presently includes over 80 member countries. It served as the foundation for the modern international measurement system and has been critical to global trade, scientific progress, industrial development, and people’s daily life.
A unified system of measurement enables seamless international commerce, collaborative research, and technological innovation. The Convention led to the creation of three key organizations:
- The General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM)
- The International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM)
- The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) – located in Sèvres, Paris, France
With a range of technical advisory committees, these bodies oversee the continued development and modernization of the SI Units. Thailand became a signatory to the Metre Convention in 1912 and later enacted its first metrology law—the Weights and Measures Act of 1923, formally adopting the metric system as the national measurement system.
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In 2025, UNESCO has also designated this year as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking the centenary of quantum mechanics—an extraordinary leap in human understanding of nature that has paved the way for cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and high-precision measurement instruments.
However, a major milestone in modern metrology came with the recent redefinition of several SI base units such as the kilogram, second, and kelvin based on fundamental constants of nature (e.g., Planck constant), replacing former physical artifacts. This shift aligns measurement standards with the principles of quantum physics, ensuring the readiness for future technologies.
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Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand), representing the organizing committee, delivered the following remarks:
“We are living in an era of global crises and transformations. Climate change, driven by industrial and economic development over the past century, is intensifying. Meanwhile, disruptive technologies are reshaping our world—artificial intelligence, digital technologies, synthetic biology, and quantum technologies and revolutionizing industries, labor markets, societies, and national security.
On another front, geopolitical realignments are introducing new pressures, particularly on export-dependent countries. These sweeping changes challenge the metrology system, as the national institute responsible for metrological development, I reaffirm that
- Thailand’s metrology system is robust, well-integrated with the international measurement system, and adaptable to meet the demands of various sectors. It plays a vital role in advancing national policy across trade, economy, society, environment, and security.
- We will continue to pursue research of high-level measurement standards, enhance measurement capabilities, and support the development of capacity building in different areas including public, private, and civil society sectors.”
The celebration of 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention is not merely a historical reflection, but a call to look ahead to remind us that measurement is more than numbers. It is the foundation of innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in the 21st century.
