Thailand Plans $24 Million Science Park

[george]

Thailand plans $24 million science park

BANGKOK: -- Thailand announced plans to build a $24 million science park just as Thai scientist Yongyuth Yuthayong was named winner of the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science.

The science park, intended to boost the country's competitive edge in science and technology, will include research facilities, laboratories, a teacher-training center and an exhibition hall.

The project will target students with an aptitude for science from primary school to university. A total of 100 students per year will be selected to attend a free science camp at the park, the Bangkok Post reported Tuesday.

The news came on the same day as the announcement that Yongyuth Yuthavong would be awarded the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in Tokyo on June 2.

Yongyuth, a researcher at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, was chosen for his research in anti-malaria drugs and his work in building up Thailand's medical infrastructure to cope with the disease.

--UPI 2004-05-25