Thai Government and European Union Collaborate with Thai-Austrian Technical College (TATC) to Enhance Railway Technology

Educational and know-how transfer to be boosted in a new railway course offered by TA TC for the first time in Thailand

In January 2016, the management of TATC asked EABC to support them finding funding for their planned Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Diploma Course. In co-operation with the Austrian Embassy, EABC Working Group Rail & Road Infrastructure’s chairman, Mr. Wolff, organized financial support by the European Union.

At the press conference Mr. Wolff was presenting a key note speech titled “How Europe can support Railway Development in Thailand”.

Bangkok, 22 November 2016 – Thai-Austrian Technical College Sattahip (TATC), in cooperation with the Government of Thailand and the European Union, is launching the new Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Diploma Course in Thailand with an all-new curriculum based on European standards. This course, created for Thai railway technicians, is the result of the collaboration between TATC, European educational institutions railway operators and companies in the field of railway technology

The announcement was made today at a press conference in Bangkok, in the presence of H.E. MrJesus Miguel Sanz, EU Ambassador, H. E. Mr Enno Drofenik. Austrian Ambassador. Dr. Suthep Chitayawong, Secretary General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Mr. Vatcharin Siripanich, Senior Consultant to Thai-Austrian Technical College Sattahip, and representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce (EABC).

In 2015, TATC was mandated by the Thai government to improve the vocational education and training programs for railway technicians in order to increase the performance and efficiency of the country’s railway system. With the economic development of the ASEAN region, major investments are expected to expand the railway network in Thailand during the coming years

Ambassador Jesus Miguel Sanz emphasized that the European railway sector has much to offer in terms of safety, high-performance cost efficiency, infrastructure development and products of the highest standards. ··we are proud to share our know-how in the field of transportation, because it is an important component of the economy and a tool for development. This valuable project between the TATC, various European educational institutions and the Thai government, with the support of the EU’s Public Diplomacy and Outreach programme, lays a solid foundation for further cooperation between Thailand and the EU,” he stated.

Dr Suthep Chitayawong, Secretary General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission sees this as a great opportunity to learn from the European model “We are indeed very fortunate to have a privileged relationship with our European partners to encourage education, research and technology-transfer in the transportation sector. We look forward to a new generation of railway technicians who can help bring social and economic progress to our country,” he said.

“This new curriculum comes at the right time when we can facilitate growth and mobility in the country and the region. We are proud to launch this new curriculum that will prepare highly qualified technicians to develop and maintain an efficient railway system based on the European model,” said Mr. Vatcharin Siripanich, TATC Director.

Europe is a world leader both in the field of railway engineering and in the field of vocational training. Through close cooperation, the EU underscores its commitment to support the railway development in Thailand, which is highly beneficial for its potential to create new educational, economic, market and social opportunities in the country.

The TATC continues its pledge to promote cooperation and partnerships with European educational institutions railways operators and companies in the field of railway technology.