On 16 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, witnessed the launch of the Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Advancing Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) Diplomacy at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Letter of Intent was concluded among four agencies, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; the Board of Investment of Thailand; and the Federation of Thai Industries.

Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak underscored the importance of advancing SRI diplomacy through integrated collaboration between the public and private sectors. He also emphasized the global network of Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General as a key mechanism for promoting international cooperation in science, research and innovation and translating such cooperation into tangible outcomes.

Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan and H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, also co-chaired a virtual meeting with Thai Ambassadors and Consul-Generals around the world following the launch of the Letter of Intent, whereby ambassadors in six pilot countries, namely Australia, Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, presented the potential opportunities for collaboration in their respective countries, exchanging views and identifying practical approaches to advancing cooperation in SRI with these countries, with a view to delivering tangible outcomes that will enhance Thailand’s SRI capabilities while further strengthening partnerships with the pilot countries.

The event forms part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' economic diplomacy policy, which seeks to enhance Thailand's competitiveness, strengthen confidence, and expand cooperation and partnerships with other countries.