On 5 March 2026, the University of Phayao, represented by Professor Dr. Samer Thanoy, Vice President for Research and Innovation, in its role as the AEM Project Coordinating Center, joined the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with 16 pilot universities to implement the Area-Based Mobility for Quality Workforce (AEM) Project for Fiscal Year 2026.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Ms. Waraporn Rungtrakan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI, together with university presidents and representatives from the participating institutions.
As the project’s coordinating center, the University of Phayao is responsible for overseeing project management, facilitating collaboration among MHESI, partner universities, and local administrative organizations nationwide. The university will also monitor project implementation, conduct site visits, provide consultation to participating institutions over a 12-month period, and synthesize lessons learned into policy recommendations to support sustainable regional development.
The initiative aims to mobilize academic expertise and innovation from universities to address local challenges, enhance the quality of life of communities, reduce social inequality, and strengthen local administrative organizations in line with Thailand’s national development strategy.