On 10 May 2013, the signing ceremony for MoU on academic exchange and cooperation between Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology (TNI) and Kinki University was held at the Royal Thai Residence in Tokyo.  Mr. Hitoshi Shiosaki, Kinki University President, and Associate Professor Krisada Visavateeranon, TNI President, presented at the ceremony.  Ambassador Thanatip Upatising witnessed the signing. 

The signing ceremony was resulted from Prime Minister Shinso Abe and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (and Senior President of Kinki University alumni) Hiroshige Seko’s visit to TNI, Bangkok, on 17 January 2013, during the Prime Minister’s official visit to Thailand which was escorted by the Ambassador.

In his speech after the ceremony, the Ambassador noted that Japan had long been the biggest investor in Thailand and that Japanese business was likely to continue increasing its investment in the country.  He continued that the Royal Thai Government welcomed this opportunity and was ready to support Japanese business, especially by developing investment environment and labor.  In this regards, the Royal Thai Government intended to immediately develop skilled labor to support Japanese investment in Thailand.  He praised TNI, which had played an important role in creating efficient and relevant human resource that could significantly support the expansion of Japanese investment in the country.  The Ambassador also wished to see the MoU bearing fruitful results in allowing the professors and students of the two parties to gain and exchange knowledge, which would then lead to new ideas and skills for gradually developing Thailand and Japan’s economic development.