Chula Partners with the National Security Council and Royal Thai Navy to Establish “Thailand’s Maritime Knowledge Management Organization” 

Chulalongkorn University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Security Council (NSC) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to establish and promote the “Thailand Maritime Knowledge Management Organization.” The signing ceremony took place on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Meeting Room 105, Maha Chulalongkorn Building. Police Lt. Gen. Surasit Sangkapong, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, presided over the opening. Representatives from the three parties—Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, NSC Secretary-General; and Admiral Jirapon Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy—signed the MOU together. 

This collaboration aims to establish the organization as a national center for maritime research, knowledge exchange, and policy consultation. It will serve as a maritime think tank connecting the government, academia, and domestic and international partners. The focus is on developing comprehensive maritime knowledge to enhance national security and safeguard maritime interests. 

Chulalongkorn University has assigned its Aquatic Resources Research Institute and Academic Services Center as the lead agencies responsible for operations. The central office of the organization will be located at the Aquatic Resources Research Institute. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat stated that Chulalongkorn University’s core mission is to generate knowledge and innovations for society. Recognizing the vital role of the sea in Thailand’s economy and national security—spanning fisheries, marine transport, energy, tourism, and marine ecosystems—he emphasized the importance of having a modern, systematic knowledge base to support policy-making and efficient marine resource management. Chulalongkorn is proud to play a key role in developing such academic networks and knowledge for the sustainable growth of the maritime economy and effective coastal and marine resource management, which are crucial to Thailand’s future. 

Professor Dr. Voranop Viyakarn, Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute, noted the project’s uniqueness lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Chulalongkorn University houses experts in marine resources, law, governance, management, ecology, policy, and advanced research. This marks the first time Chulalongkorn is pooling its academic expertise to systematically manage marine resources. The university will also expand collaboration with other institutions, both governmental and academic, to help drive national policies. The Aquatic Resources Research Institute will be the main body responsible for academic and operational tasks, working alongside various university faculties. The Academic Services Center will coordinate and support external networking with partners such as the Navy, research institutions, and agencies involved in marine resource management. 

This initiative not only aims to protect national maritime interests but also to build a “knowledge ecosystem” and strong policy mechanisms to drive the maritime economy sustainably and securely into the future. 

Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, NSC Secretary-General, emphasized that maritime security is a key concern in Thailand’s national strategic plan. The NSC has developed a “Maritime Security Plan” as a framework to guide operations across agencies and turn policy into effective practice. Maritime security spans several knowledge domains, including maritime law, resource management, situation analysis, and new technologies—which Thailand still lacks in some areas. Given the geopolitical and economic significance of Thailand’s seas, comprehensive environmental analysis is essential for sound policy and program development. With the right mechanisms, accurate data, and suitable legal and technical tools, maritime security can be managed efficiently, enabling optimal use of marine resources and ensuring national interests are protected. 

Rear Admiral Jumpon Nakbua, Director of the Naval Security Affairs Office, stated that this collaboration provides critical knowledge for strategic planning and multi-sector participation, especially as maritime security becomes increasingly complex. Long-term stability and security require integrated efforts and marine governance mechanisms. Chulalongkorn University, with its in-depth and broad-based expertise in marine sciences, serves as a key strategic partner. By integrating university knowledge with domestic and international experts, the organization supports education and research aligned with national maritime interests. This knowledge will contribute to responsible use, resource balance, and sustainable security for the Thai people. 

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