SONGKHLA, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat has highlighted the role of engineering technology in supporting southern communities and developing skills for future industries. During a visit to the Faculty of Engineering at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya in Songkhla Province on August 30, 2026, the deputy prime minister inspected the Water Situation Monitoring Center and the Robotics and Automation Training Center.
The water center integrates water-resource information with weather forecasting technology to analyze flood and drought risks across southern Thailand in real time. Yodchanan emphasized cooperation with communities and local agencies to provide accurate early warnings and reduce potential losses to life and property.
At the robotics center, the deputy prime minister reviewed industrial robots and automated production systems developed by lecturers and students. The center provides upskilling and reskilling in industrial technology for the southern region. Discussions also covered curricula for developing highly skilled workers to meet local industrial demand and support future growth in automation and smart industries.
The deputy prime minister said that universities should apply science and technology to practical needs, ranging from water management for community safety to advanced robotics skills for economic development. The visit reflects the ministry’s policy of leveraging university research and technology to improve quality of life while preparing a workforce capable of supporting Thailand’s sustainable economic growth. (NNT)
