Project News

(1) The Sixth JCC Meeting

On 13 December 2022, the sixth Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting was held in Bangkok, with 54 delegates invited from Thai governmental organisations concerned with land and transport, as well as from JICA, JST, and project researchers. Three topics were on the agenda: (1) to introduce the project to Thai stakeholders; (2) to update the Sukhumvit Model; and (3) to outline the progress and forthcoming activities for 2023. In the first session conducted in the Thai language, Thai researchers gave a briefing about the Sukhumvit Model which is a policy package of smart transport strategies for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Ministry of Transport (MOT), and others. Having obtained several comments from the stakeholders, each project researcher delivered a chapter on the Sukhumvit Model at the second session. Finally, four representatives from each research group reviewed the progress of activities in 2022 and announced their planned activities for 2023. During the discussion, the stakeholders expressed positive views on the person-centred QOL approach taken by the project. However, while looking towards a preferable future for Bangkok, they requested a proposal on how to integrate fragmented datasets on urban transport. The JCC gave its approval to the final dissemination workshop being held in October 2023 and the final Sukhumvit Model report being submitted to the BMA and other relevant parties in December 2023. Accordingly, Prof. Yoshitsugu Hayashi, the Principal Investigator from Chubu University, requested that all project researchers look at developing an actual QOL-MaaS application and a visualisation platform. He suggested that all datasets be inputted into the Digital Earth System as soon as possible.

JCC meeting venue

Opening remarks by the Chief Representative from JICA Thailand office

Discussion with the stakeholders

(2) International Symposium - Transforming Mobility for Humanity

On 14 December 2022, the International Symposium entitled "Transforming Mobility for Humanity" was held at Chulalongkorn University, co-organised by this project and other international organisations. The symposium focused on critical issues and policy options with the aim of transforming mobility in response to climate change, preventing humanity from extinction, and leading to changes for better quality of life. A total of 70 delegates were invited from around the globe, such as the Deputy Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), transport policy-related people, and related experts. The symposium was divided into two parts: a policy dialogue to seek possible options for transforming mobility, and round table sessions to exchange current challenges and future solutions with global experts. Two project members attended the policy dialogue. Prof. Yoshitsugu Hayashi, the Principal Investigator from Chubu University, delivered a keynote address and joined the panel, while Dr. Apiwat Ratanawaraha from Chulalongkorn University moderated the dialogue with panellists. Regarding the round table sessions on issues and solutions, presentations on the project's Sukhumvit Model were delivered by four members: Dr. Apiwat, Dr. Varameth Vichiensan from Kasetsart University, Dr. Pawinee Iamtrakul from Thammasat University, and Prof. Kenji Doi from Osaka University.

Symposium venue at Chulalongkorn University

Prof. Hayashi attending the policy dialogue

Dr. Apiwat (right) moderating the policy dialogue panel

Comments from the Deputy Governor of the BMA

Dr. Varameth's presentation

Dr. Pawinee's presentation

Prof. Doi's presentation