Project News

On 20 March 2023, at JICA headquarters in Tokyo, Thai researchers presented a concept of smart transport strategies called the Sukhumvit Model. This model aims to achieve the project objectives of enhancing citizens' QOL and creating a low-carbon society. A team of five Thai members from Thammasat University, Kasetsart University, and Chulalongkorn University, along with Prof. Yoshitsugu Hayashi, the Principal Investigator from Chubu University, delivered their presentations to the Director of the Infrastructure Management Department of JICA and a Research Supervisor for Carbon Neutrality of JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency). The Sukhumvit Model is designed as a proposal to Thai stakeholders such as governmental organizations working on land and transport policies, and citizens. It addresses current challenges for Thailand, the future of mobility for Bangkok, and the metropolitan grand design to integrate land use and transport. Furthermore, the model outlines pathways towards preferable futures, recommendations, and solutions developed by the project's innovative technologies. The members announced that they will complete a report on the Sukhumvit Model by the end of 2023. They plan to incorporate feedback from stakeholders, as well as additional scientific evidence, guidelines, and tools. The reporting meeting was a good opportunity for them to obtain comments from JICA and JST to improve the Sukhumvit Model.

Thai researchers presenting the Sukhumvit Model

Questions and comments from JICA and JST

Thai researchers answering the questions

Group photo after the meeting

Between 14 March and 19 March 2023, the Thai members visited Chubu University, Takayama City, and Toyama City. After visiting the Rector of Chubu University, they paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Takayama City. Staying in Takayama City for three days, they collaborated intensively with Japanese researchers to design the Sukhumvit Model. In Toyama City, before moving to Tokyo, they experienced next-generation mobility solutions made in Japan.

Visiting the Rector at Chubu University

Visiting the Mayor of Takayama City

Dr. Takeshita facilitating the workshop

Lecture by Prof. Hayashi

Exchanging opinions about designing the Sukhumvit Model

A next generation mobility at Toyama City

All photos courtesy of Chubu University