DPM Yodchanan Calls for Thailand to Follow a Net Zero Economy, Reducing Carbon Risk for a Sustainable Future

Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation gave a speech at the National Science and Technology Development Agency Annual Conference (NAC2026) at Thailand Science Park Convention Center in Pathum Thani province, 27 April 2026,
held under the theme “Sustainable Economy through Science and Technology” with senior officials and executives from MHESI and related agencies in attendance.

At the conference, DPM Yodchanan showed his vision on Net Zero Economy, calling for Thai industries and research agencies to follow carbon-free emission policy, noting that global trade rules are turning carbon into a de facto trade barrier through mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in which Thai businesses risk losing competitiveness if they fail to adapt. He stressed that the transition to a low-carbon economy is the new “national security”, with green technology investment serving as risk mitigation against escalating climate change.

He further underscored the role of MHESI and science diplomacy in times of crisis, calling on researchers and engineers to elevate Thailand to high-income status. The Ministry has defined three key roles, highlighting ecosystem builder to foster talent and innovation, system integrator to align cross-sector collaboration, and accelerator to support innovators in accessing global funding as domestic markets are not yet ready. He concluded that the Ministry will account for responsibility and encourage researchers more leadership and diligence with full strength.