The Thai-German Institute in Amata Nakorn Industrial
Estate launched their third official exhibition day on the 10th of
October. The theme of the day was “Cooperation Day” to commemorate
Germany’s Reunification Day celebrated this month.
(L
to R) German director of TGI Walter Kretschmar, German Ambassador to
Thailand H.E. Andreas Von Stechow, and Hans-Dieter Westphal, managing
director of Rieckermann Thai Engineering talk technology at the exhibition
day.
The morning commenced smoothly with a report on TGI’s
activities and achievements by the two directors, starting with the German
director Walter Kretschmar’s speech stating various factors the TGI uses
to help strengthen Thailand’s industrial competitiveness in Asia and
improve productivity through training, guidance and education.
German
Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Andreas Von Stechow (left) and Deputy Minister
of Industry, H.E. Pichate Satirachawal cut the ribbon to open the
exhibition, as German director of TGI Walter Kretschmar (back left) and
TGI’s Thai director Narong Rattana (back right) applaud.
The speech was followed by TGI’s Thai director Narong
Rattana referring to TGI as the “hand of the government” to transfer
modern manufacturing technology to Thai industry by focusing on human
resource development. Narong gave a report on TGI’s fields of
specialization, training and services and TGI’s plans to support various
government projects in the year 2002.
(L
to R) Walter Kretschmar, Ambassador Andreas Von Stechow, H.E. Pichate
Satirachawal and Narong Rattana view and discuss the technology on
display.
The first honorary speaker was the Deputy Minister of
Industry, H.E. Pichate Satirachawal, who reminisced of the fond memories
of many successful business projects which Germany and Thailand have
carried out, including the beginnings of the state railway of Thailand
when King Rama V, with a clear vision of in-land transportation, selected
a German engineer, Karl Bethge to support the project in 1887. Bethge’s
performed so well, he was appointed the first governor of the State
Railways of Thailand, and the German government appointed him as their
advisor on railway construction.
At that time new knowledge and technologies from
Germany were being transferred to the Thai people in such fields as
machinery, communications, ports, and the military. This information flow
has continued to this day.
Following H.E. Khun Pichet’s speech, the highlight of
the morning was the congratulatory speech from the German Ambassador, H.E.
Andreas Von Stechow, who had just 2 months ago succeeded H.E Herrmann
Erath, the previous ambassador to Thailand.
His Excellency later gave an interview, providing
insights to his personal mission and vision on specific areas he would
like to focus on in the initial stage of his term as German Ambassador to
Thailand, and how he feels the Thai-German Institute plays a strong part
in the development of Thai industries. His excellency said in general his
mission is to improve the relations of the two countries, especially
politically and culturally, as HM the King has said that, “It is
important to open the hearts of the people.”
Other main concentration will be on economics and
education, which are the heart and essence of political development not
only for Thailand but also for Germany.
Technology
on display at the Thai-German Institute’s Cooperation Day.
As for TGI, his excellency was very impressed with
TGI’s excellent facility and its large scope of activities. TGI plays an
important role in education and training, supplying Thai industry with
technology and skilled manpower, which is also exactly the area of
assistance provided by Germany, that is to support and develop small and
medium enterprises to be able to survive in this modern competitive world.
The morning session ended with a ribbon cutting
ceremony conducted by his excellencies Pichate Satirachawal and Andreas
Von Stechow, officially opening the 3rd Exhibition Day. Many dignitaries
from both the government and private sectors attended and viewed the many
exhibition booths set up by the companies responsible for much of the
high-tech equipment in use in Thailand today.
During the afternoon session, technical seminars were
presented and discussions held. Highlights of these included:
The permanent secretary of Science, Technology and
Environment, Pornchai Tarantham, held a very informative seminar on the
topic of science and the development of recycled energy.
ABB
finance director Dieter Brandenburg (center) explains his company’s
technology to Walter Kretschmar (left) and Ambassador Andreas Von Stechow
(right).
Petchaburi M.P. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, vice chairman of
the government’s Energy Committee delivered a speech on Bio-fuel in
Thailand.
Manu Leopairote, the permanent secretary of the
Ministry of Industry spoke on Thailand’s policy on energy.
A Bio-fuel in Thailand seminar was conducted by Dr.
Yodchai Jotiban (PTT), Dr. Nongluck Pankurddee (TISTR), Thari
Techapimanwong (EC-CHEM), and Dr. Samai Jai-In as the moderator.
Paul Johnstone of Siemens-Singapore gave a presentation
on “High efficient energy saving motors and drives”.
The seminar was adjourned at 5.00 p.m., leaving
participants filled with fresh ideas and motivation for further
improvements and innovations in their fields, assured of strong support
from the Thai-German Institute.
HRH
Princess Galyani Vadhana Kromluang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra graciously visited
General Motors Thailand Assembly Center at Rayong Province to view the Zafira
production line at the plant. William S. Botwick, executive director for ASEAN
of General Motors Asia Pacific, and president & managing director for
General Motors Thailand, as well as the GM staff showed the princess that the
center is the home of the made-in-Thailand Zafira, the first passenger vehicle
exported to Europe and Japan. On this occasion, Botwick presented the Chevrolet
Zafira 2.2 Luxury Model for HRH Princess’ usage.