The Department of Industry Promotion (DIP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Denso Corporation to set up a new modern industry manufacturing centre tasked with developing technology and automation systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), says deputy industry minister Somchai Harnhiran.
Construction of the centre is scheduled to begin in April and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The project's 30-million-baht budget is supported by the Japanese government though the Japan External Trade Organization.
In line with the Thailand 4.0 policy, the government has supported the development of robotics and automation systems by Thai SMEs.
"This centre is designed as a modern industry showcase that will help SMEs understand automation and robotics and give them insight into that industry's trends," Mr Somchai said.
DIP director-general Kobchai Sungsitthisawad said Thailand and Japan entered into an agreement to support SMEs of both countries, as well as the Eastern Economic Corridor project and the Thailand 4.0 initiative.
Together, the governments hope the policies will move SMEs in both countries towards technical progress.
"In the near future, the use of robotics and automated systems will become widespread in the industry," Mr Kobchai said. "The labour shortage crisis in Thailand is a major problem that will affect Thai SMEs."
Thailand and Denso have been working together to support Thai and Japanese SMEs since the Japanese government brought 500-600 businesses to visit Thailand in September 2017.
Thavorn Chalassthien, chairman of the Human Capacity Building Institute, said his group will advise the government and local SMEs to teach them about how to apply automation to their business.
To further this goal, the company has built the Lean Automation System Integrator, a network of 36 companies that can support SMEs in the project.
"Japan is ready to support the Thai government and Thai SMEs because Thailand is a major Japanese manufacturing hub," Mr Thavorn said. "By improving Thailand's industry, the Japanese government is helping Japanese businesses too."
Denso Thailand is a subsidiary of Japan-based Denso Group.
