March 29, 2024, Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani
The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), along with the Rail and Modern Transports Research Group (RMT), collaborated with Northeastern Electronics Technology Company Limited through the Northeastern Institute of Technology, to launch an innovative electric vehicle prototype called ‘Khamkoon.’ This initiative received research funding support from the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), aimed at enhancing the country’s industrial competitiveness and fostering economic and social impacts. ‘Khamkoon’ is a prime example of an invention addressing public transportation needs in urban areas.
Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit, Director of the Rail and Modern Transports Research Group (RMT) stated, “The development of the transportation industry of the future and the environmental business ecosystem is considered one of the vital industries strongly supported by the government, particularly in driving Thailand to become a production base for electric vehicles and components. Additionally, it aims to promote the use of electric vehicles in line with the 30@30 policy and the development of smart cities in terms of smart travel and transportation. Today, we have gathered representatives from government agencies, local authorities, entrepreneurs, and professional associations related to the transportation industry of the future to exchange views and discuss business development strategies within the context of the green economy and sustainable development of this industry’s supply chain. This event includes the introduction of the prototype ‘Khamkoon,’ a product of the collaborative research project between MTEC-NSTDA and Northeastern Electronics Technology Company Limited, under the Northeastern Institute of Technology, supported by research funding from the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC). This is another innovation that addresses public transportation needs in urban areas.”
Assoc. Prof. Thongchai Suwonsichon, Director of the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), expressed, “I am delighted to participate in the unveiling ceremony of the electric three-wheeled vehicle prototype ‘Khamkoon’ today. This event aligns with the country’s electric vehicle development plan under the ‘Advanced Thailand (ADV For EV)’ policy of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, led by MHESI minister H.E. Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi. PMUC, together with the Science, Research, and Innovation Ministry (SCI), have adjusted plans for the promotion of electric vehicle (EV) industries, aiming to make EVs a significant flagship industry supported by the Thailand Research Fund (TRF). In the fiscal year 2022, PMUC allocated a budget of 445.5 million baht for EVs, which increased to 610 million baht in the fiscal year 2024. This budget supports the development of electric vehicles and related technologies in various aspects, including research and development, to enhance the technological value in the automotive and related industries. The ‘Khamkoon’ electric three-wheeled vehicle prototype addresses research needs in this field, supported by funding from PMUC in the Program for Elevating Competitiveness and Economic Foundation. In the sub-plan for developing future transportation systems and robotics industries, PMUC is ready to support the development of electric vehicle industries and related technologies to elevate the country’s technological capabilities, enabling Thailand to be self-reliant and a regional manufacturing hub in the future.”
Mr. Phairat Ueshooyos, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that “The FTI actively fosters Thailand’s economic growth by spearheading industrial development. This includes supporting the transformation of traditional industries into advanced ones. A prime example that FTI prioritizes is the modern automotive industry, which is crucial for the country and presents an opportunity to grow the Thai economy sustainably. In October 2023, the FTI presented a development roadmap for the Thai industry to Thai Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, focusing on enabling the government to maintain and expand the automotive production base globally. This initiative aims to establish a new era of automotive manufacturing and components to prepare for carbon neutrality and elevate Thai automotive components towards integration into the supply chain of the modern automotive industry. The ‘Khamkoon’ electric three-wheeled vehicle prototype is an excellent example of modern automotive industry development. This project is a collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to develop a safe, convenient, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly electric tricycle.”
Mr. Wikrom Vajragupta, Vice Chairman of the Thai-Lao Business Council, outlined the importance of the recent launch. He asserted that “the promotion plan for developing the Next-gen Automotive industry and Thailand’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is critical. Moreover, the government’s 30@30 policy aims to promote Thailand as a base for electric vehicle and component production, encouraging the use of electric vehicles. The target is to produce 30% of total vehicle production as electric vehicles by 2030. Therefore, research and development in electric vehicles play a crucial role in achieving the country’s strategic goals.”
Mr. Wikrom emphasized, “As a representative of the manufacturing industry and the Thai-Lao Business Council, we aspire to witness changes in the regional manufacturing industry, leading to the creation of new businesses, especially in high-potential areas like Udon Thani, a central hub for transportation and a key border city connecting to Laos. Additionally, as a facilitator between industrial representatives in Udon Thani province and the MTEC research team, aiming to develop a new three-wheeled electric vehicle prototype that addresses future challenges in energy and environmental dimensions, I am pleased to see the successful outcome of the ‘Khamkoon’ electric vehicle research and development project today. This success, supported by PMUC funding and collaboration with the Northern Eastern Institute of Technology, marks a starting point before further expanding and developing the prototype into an industrial and service-oriented business. I stand firmly behind the research team and all stakeholders involved. Transforming research results into real-world benefits for our economy and society is no small feat, but together, we can overcome the challenges.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, the Director of the National Metal and Material Technology (MTEC), stated that “the Rail and Modern Transports Research Group, or RMT, is committed to research and development, including innovation that enhances industrial capabilities and generates both economic and social impacts for the country. Currently, RMT is researching and developing technologies related to rail systems and autonomous driving technologies under the ‘Smart Mobility’ initiative. This initiative is a critical component of the national strategy to develop a ‘Smart City’ and promote the Next-gen Automotive as part of the government’s road safety policies.”
Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak shared his insights on the project, “the electric tricycle prototype, Kham Koon, highlights MTEC’s proficiency in conducting research and development, leading to tangible innovations through collaborations with industry partners and relevant organizations. The project is expected to expand further into commercial production and use in the future.” “I hope that the ‘Kham Koon’ innovation will not only boost the competitiveness of our industry but also enhance the country’s technical knowledge. This project aims to develop technologies that confront the future challenges stemming from climate change, energy shortages, and shifts in economic and industrial structures, locally and globally,” he concluded.
Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, Director of the NSTDA, stated that ‘Khamkoon’ is part of the EV-Innovation program of the NSTDA aimed at supporting research and development of electric vehicles to elevate the electric vehicle industry in Thailand. The project has received R&D funding from PMUC, in addition to aligning with the smart city development policy regarding intelligent transportation and logistics in the region. There are plans to expand this invention into commercial production further. Moreover, there are plans to extend its usage domestically and to neighboring countries.
“I wish to thank the dedicated researchers at NSTDA, faculty members, and students from the Northern College of Technology, along with various professionals from Udon Thani province, for their contributions to the development of ‘Khamkoon.’ This innovation is designed to tackle the challenges of future transportation needs. Today, we proudly introduce the ‘Khamkoon’ prototype, a key part of NSTDA’s EV-Innovation program, which supports the research and development of electric vehicles to advance Thailand’s electric vehicle sector. The project has been funded by PMUC, which aligns with the smart city initiative to enhance intelligent transportation and logistics in the area. There are also plans to take this innovation into commercial production and expand its use within Thailand and neighboring countries.”
