On 1 October 2026, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, welcomed a delegation from the Global Partnership Immersion Program (GPI), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pravee Kruachottikul from Chulalongkorn University, Project Leader, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaleeda Borompichaichartkul, Director of Research University Network (RUN) Office, and Dr. Pochaman Tagheen, Director-General, Department of Science Service. The delegation also comprised representatives from Thai academic and government institutions, including Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Thai Food and Drug Administration and Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR).

The visit, which formed part of the GPI project, was aimed at gaining insights into Australia’s standards development in the areas of food and agriculture. During their visit, the delegation engaged with various Australian organisations in science, standards, food and therapeutic goods regulation, as well as academic institutions and private sector, to learn from Australia’s experience and explore opportunities for cooperation.

On this occasion, the Ambassador and the delegation exchanged views on ways to further strengthen Thailand - Australia cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly by fostering linkages between research institutions, standards bodies and regulatory agencies. Such cooperation would help enhance Thailand’s capabilities to be line with international standards, while supporting the translation of research and innovation into commercial applications.

The GPI project, supported by Thailand’s Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), aims to strengthen Thailand’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). The findings will support strengthening of Thailand’s institutional capabilities and assisting Thai businesses in meeting international standards and expanding their access to overseas markets.