TCMA and Chulalongkorn University Launch Thailand-Canada Strategic Partnership on Low-Carbon Industry
Thailand's cement industry and Chulalongkorn University have partnered to develop and test carbon capture technology in Saraburi, supported by Canada and international organizations, aiming to advance the country's Net Zero 2050 climate goa
The Thai Cement Industry Association (TCMA) and Chulalongkorn University have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance strategic cooperation in knowledge, technology, and human resource development, supported by international partners, to develop and test carbon capture technology in the Saraburi Sandbox before scaling to industrial application and policy development. This marks a critical step in establishing Thailand's low-carbon industrial ecosystem and supports the Net Zero 2050 goal.
Surachai Nimlalaow, TCMA Chairman, stated that this collaboration demonstrates the industrial sector's proactive role in driving climate commitments through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism linking the industrial sector, academia, government, and international partners including ECCC, UNIDO, and GCCA, to advance the transition to low-carbon industry in line with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.
"This collaboration with Chulalongkorn elevates cooperation to a long-term platform, from knowledge development and personnel preparation to pilot-level technology testing, leveraging Canadian expertise and real-world trials in the Saraburi Sandbox, which will serve as a learning hub for developing scalable approaches at the industrial level," Surachai said.
Prof. Dr. Wilai Purivatch, Rector of Chulalongkorn University, noted that the partnership reflects the university's role as a Strategic Knowledge Partner bridging knowledge to practical application while developing "Green Talent" to support industry transition.
"Chulalongkorn aims to make this collaboration a strategic mechanism for strengthening the knowledge base in low-carbon technology, coupled with human resource development, to enhance capabilities aligned with transition directions and support long-term green economy," the rector said.
Ms. Ping Kidnikorn, Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, stated that Canada supports this collaboration, reflecting international climate cooperation and the 65-year-old bilateral relationship between the two countries.
"This collaboration encompasses knowledge transfer, technology, and experience in greenhouse gas reduction, particularly supporting experts and human resource development to link to practical trials and application in industry, with carbon capture technology serving as a bridge between innovation and application to drive low-carbon economy," Ambassador Ping said.
From the government side, Dr. Pirun Saiyasittipanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, stated that the cement industry is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to reach Net Zero 2050 while building climate resilience.
"This collaboration is a policy mechanism to connect the project to the national level, using the Saraburi Sandbox as a testing and development base, so results can scale to policy-making and expansion effectively," Dr. Pirun said.
Theerathat Iamrangkul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, stated that this collaboration aligns with the "One MIND single industry" policy that integrates oversight with green industry promotion.
"The department is ready to support this collaboration in developing a scalable prototype at the industrial level to enhance capabilities," he said.
