Human capital development in railway engineering and technology for regional rail transport development in Thailand under Thailand Academy of Science (TAS) program, 2024.
One of the main goals of the University of Phayao is to cultivate a workforce with the necessary competencies and skills for the future. One particular area that stands out is the field of railway transportation systems, which is crucial for the development of both Thailand and the upper northern region where the university is situated. The government has made significant investments in railway infrastructure, creating a demand for a specialized workforce. With the ongoing construction of the Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong dual-track railway, the University of Phayao is dedicated to providing knowledge and training to develop a highly skilled workforce in railway systems. This will not only support infrastructure development in the region but also maximize its benefits.
To achieve this goal, the university has developed master’s and doctoral programs in Railway Engineering and Technology. These programs are specifically designed to produce graduates with expertise in fieldwork for railway construction projects, with a focus on the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on education, research, and innovation in railway transportation technology, covering all aspects of analysis, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This comprehensive approach aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge and high competency in the field. Ultimately, these programs aim to effectively meet the demands of both public and private sectors in the upper northern region.
The Railway Engineering and Technology program aims to produce highly skilled graduates with a focus on rail technology, specifically for the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong project. This includes preparing students for careers in organizations such as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), consultancy firms, construction companies, local government offices, and regional chambers of commerce and industry. This program is part of the Thailand Academy of Science (TAS) Program, which is managed by the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The TAS Program promotes the development of high-quality graduate programs through collaboration between research institutions, universities, and the private sector, known as the Future Graduate Platform. The Railway Engineering and Technology program utilizes a Non-conventional Future Graduate Platform to cultivate a workforce with specialized skills, expertise, and a positive mindset (Brain Power).
The curriculum is developed collaboratively between research institutions or the private sector (demand side) and universities, utilizing a Demand-driven Platform to deliver master’s and doctoral-level programs. It is implemented within the TAS Educational Sandbox, with research topics sourced directly from research institutions or private companies. The program features Co-curriculum, Co-teaching, and Co-certificate approaches. PMU-B acts as a coordinator, providing funding to support the development of new curricula in fields that align with Thailand’s emerging industries and economic growth opportunities.
Students in the program have the opportunity to access National Facilities that meet international standards and can embed themselves in research teams at leading global research institutes. Upon graduation, students of the TAS program receive internationally recognized degree certificates and are able to secure employment in research institutions and private organizations. TAS plays a crucial role in developing a highly competent workforce to drive advanced technologies and innovations, ultimately reshaping Thailand’s economy and society to break free from the middle-income trap and achieve developed nation status by 2037.
The University of Phayao has recognized the increasing demand for professionals in the rail industry and has taken steps to address this need. Through collaboration with 35 other universities under the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), the university is offering master’s and doctoral programs in Railway Engineering and Technology. This partnership includes key research institutions and private sector partners involved in the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway project. To ensure the quality of these programs, the university has established academic partnerships with national research centers such as the Railway Transportation System Testing Centre (RTTC), the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), Rail and Modern Transports Research Center (RMT), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA). These partnerships provide students with access to expert advisors, research topics, laboratories, and rail system testing facilities. Furthermore, the university is actively seeking collaboration with other CUPT-affiliated universities and private sector partners involved in the railway construction project, including the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), consultants, and construction companies. These collaborations aim to enhance the research capabilities of students by providing opportunities to work alongside international researchers at leading institutions.
Recently, the University of Phayao signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Rail Transport and several partners to jointly promote and utilize shared resources for the development of the rail system. In the future, the university also plans to sign additional agreements with the State Railway of Thailand to enhance the production and development of rail system personnel, fostering the exchange of technology and expertise.
In the academic year 2024, the University of Phayao received funding from the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B)’s Human Capital Development Program for the “Human Capital Development in Railway Engineering and Technology for Regional Rail Transport Development in Thailand under the Thailand Academy of Science (TAS) Program.” This funding will support six doctoral students specializing in Railway Engineering and Technology, specifically for the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong dual-track project. The total budget allocated for this four-year project is 30.5 million baht. This initiative aligns with the government’s policy to distribute income to regional areas through infrastructure development. The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway will support the economic mobility of the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors in Phayao province and northern Thailand, positioning Phayao as a future rail transportation and logistics hub in the region. The TAS Program, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, aims to produce a specialized workforce in science and technology through curricula designed to meet the needs of the industry. The Railway Engineering and Technology program under Thatchavit will play a key role in advancing knowledge in high-level rail transport systems in Phayao and northern Thailand, contributing to regional development.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Damrong Amorndechaphon
Director of Automotive and Transportation Technology Center (ATTC)
School of Engineering, University of Phayao
