Kyoto:Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand, delivered a keynote address at the 23rd Science and Technology in Society Forum held at the Kyoto International Conference Center. He called on researchers to transform 'natural capital' into a valuable asset comparable to minerals and oil.
According to Thai News Agency, Yotsanun emphasized the importance of "Natural Capital Financing," suggesting that Thailand, with its rich biodiversity and natural resources, should establish a natural resource inventory to ensure economic security, akin to oil and mineral-producing nations. A pilot project on this concept is already underway in Nan province.
Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) is crucial for systematically measuring changes in natural resources and ecosystem services, using international standards from the United Nations' Environmental and Economic Accounting System. This initiative in Thailand is supported by the World Bank, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Kasikorn Foundation, with Nan province serving as a pilot area.
At a Ministerial Roundtable during the forum, Yotsanun unveiled strategic plans to elevate Thailand to a high-income country through science and technology. These plans include the Siam Silica project to enhance Thailand's role in the semiconductor industry, Siam Medica's initiative to establish Thailand as a global wellness hub, and Siam Terra's strategy to transform agriculture by increasing productivity and income through technology. A pilot program for Siam Terra is set to launch in 2027.
The STS Forum is a significant annual event that gathers leaders from science, technology, and policy fields to discuss the future impact of scientific and technological developments. This year's forum featured 12 Nobel laureates, ministers, business leaders, and academic figures from over 30 countries.