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SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
Thai
people have realized the benefits of science and techonlogy for
many centuries. In. Artisans possessed the technological
skillss necessary to produce fine glazed ceramics as well as
superb bronze images of the Buddha. Moreover, engineers of the
period constructed a number of sophisticates dikes to control
water and prevent floods and also built an aqueduct to bring water
from the mountains for the people of the city.
Other
branches of technology came to
during,
when relations were established with many Western countries. From
these came knowledge in such fields as astronomy, ship-building,
gun- powder production, and advanced concepts of metalurgy. The
flood of new ideas continued in the Bangkok period with the
introduction of steam engines, locomotives, and electricity. At
the same time, Thais began to understand that without a proper
knowledge of science it was not possible to develop a useful and
advanced technology.
Perhaps
the first Thai to realize this crucial fact was. While in the monkhood before becoming
king, he studied English, mathematics, and sciences, mastering
astronomy to such an extent that he was later able to accurately
predict the occurence of a total eclipse at Wa Ko, a sub-district
in Prachuab Khiri Khan, on August 18,1868. Therefore in 1982, the
year in which the Bangkok Bicentennial was celebrated, the Thai
government designated him as the "Father of Science in
Thailand." Thai scientists, in turn, have decided on August
18 as Thai National Science Day; on this day a national science
exhibition is held and outstanding scientist of the yeat is
honored.
At
present, science and technology are playing a vital role in
various industrialization processes. Since Thailand possesses a
limited number of , some of which have deteriorated because of poorly
conceived exploitation, productivity improvement is essential. To
enhance such efforts, and thereby ensure stable, long-term growth
of the Thai and
steady improvement of science and technology be promoted.
The
Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy [MOSTE] was established
on March 24, 1979 with the responsibility of undertaking the
development of the country's science and technology. Before the
establishmint of this ministry, activities in these fields were
carried out independently by many agencies without proper
coordination, resulting in overlapping in functions,operations,and
plans. Moreover,there were no effective plans or policies for the
development of science and technology. All of these gave rise to
many problems such as a lack of continuity of activities and a
waste of human resources.
Some
of the major functions of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and
Energy include:
To lay out policies, plans, and projects related to science,
technology, energy, and environment;
To develop technology within the country that will assist in
production and marketing;
To study, analyze, and do research that will produce significant
data for science, technology, energy, and environment;
To collect, compile, and propagate the results of research and
development related to these fields.
In
the past, national development programs placed little emphasis on
the role of science and technology, It was only during the period
of the Fifth National Plan [1982-1986] that some attention began
to emerge. The Sixth plan [1987-1991], by contrast, has assigned
high priority to this topic in recognition of the growing
importance of science and technology in national development.
Under this plan, foundations are being laid for developing
production and processing capabilities in order to or higher than
that of the newly industrialized countries.
Implementation
of development in science and technology consists of the following
activities:
Support of systematic management of science and technology in
order that they may play an encreasing role in national
development. this concentrates on those branches which are of
primary importance in future national development and on
developing manpower in science and technology corresponding to
future economic needs.
Development of a basic structure for science and technology. This
includes the development of appropriate organizations and the
revision of various laws, rules, and regulations that have
hindered previous development.
Development of manpower for science and rechnlolgy. This will seek
to increase efficiency by emphasizing qualitative improvement and
maximizing benefits from employment. Support is given to the
production of manpower in those areas where there is a shortage of
personnel such as electronics, petroleum, biotechnology, and
material science.
Promotion of national research and develpment. This is carried out
by formulating appropriate policies and allocating funds to areas
of research in need of immediate assistance.
Increase in effectiveness of technology transfer from abroad.
Foreign investment in the development of sciece and technology is
encouraged while education is improved for better technology
transfer.
Development of data and information systems. In particular, an
information network has been set up to derive and science and
technology indices for use in determining appropriate policies and
plans.
Promotion of the role of the private sector in developing and
using technology. Tax incentives are given to encourage the
private sector to invest in the development of science snd
technology. |
