On 27 September 2024, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), chaired the NXPO Executive Board Meeting, during which NXPO provided an update on the Saraburi Sandbox initiative.
Dr. Siriporn Pittayasophon, Senior Strategist and Acting President of NXPO, reported that since being assigned by the Policy Council on 27 October 2022 to coordinate the implementation of the Saraburi Sandbox, NXPO has forged a collaboration with seven ministries and twenty-one organizations. This partnership has established an innovation ecosystem aimed at transforming Saraburi into a net-zero emissions city, serving as a model for other cities.
Dr. Saravanee Singtong, Director of Sustainability Policy Division at NXPO, highlighted that the efforts have led to significant resource conservation and accelerated green technology advancements, enhancing industrial competitiveness through green transformation to overcome climate-driven international trade regulations. NXPO has also played a central role in coordinating the transfer of climate technologies under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This includes connecting Thailand to global funding mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which has a budget of USD 1 trillion.
Dr. Saravanee further emphasized NXPO’s work in fostering green innovation, facilitating access to climate technologies and green financing through bilateral and multilateral cooperation to accelerate Thailand toward its net-zero goals. Examples include upgrading the Tan Diao Model to serve as a digital platform driving the circular economy in local areas, generating value for local communities, and exploring the conversion of greenhouse gases into methanol products. This initiative will lead to practical technologies for industry and community adoption. Furthermore, policies and mechanisms are being developed for national expansion. NXPO is working closely with the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the UNFCCC, and Korea to seek international supports for this initiative.
