Boost for research in manufacturing
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- A committee has been established for the promotion of science and technology in manufacturing and a budget of more than 1 per cent of gross domestic product has been earmarked for research and development.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha announced the move during his weekly TV programme "Returning Happiness to the People" on Friday night.

The tax exemption for research and development in manufacturing has been increased from 200 per cent to 300 per cent to encourage such activity.

The creation of a national archive for innovations has also been put on the national agenda. Businesses and communities are encouraged to develop innovations for the manufacturing sector. So far there have been 29 innovations, Prayut said.

Relevant laws had to be modified to allow state agencies to purchase these innovations, as regulations previously forbade the procurement of untested products, he said, adding that these innovations would be registered abroad in the future so Thailand could sell them to other countries.

At least 100 Thailand-made innovations will be registered this year and turned into finished products so ministries will be able to buy them, Prayut said.

These innovations will not likely involve anything large-scale, so they will have low prices and be durable - attributes that are appropriate for Thailand and Asean, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Boost-for-research-in-manufacturing-30258759.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-26

Perfect for more large firms to dominate more of the economy. Who else can afford any genuine research? This benefits a select few and largest corporations.

lose money for nothing . thai are the most clever of the world the more educate , they know everything beter then the other so why need to inovate if they are number one in the world already ????

1% of gross domestic product earmarked for research and development in manufacturing.

BUT

"innovations will not likely involve anything large-scale."

Economy of Scale is the entire benefit of innovative manufacturing! It would be cheaper to simply engage Chinese manfacturing if all the government wants is cheap and durable (aka plastic) products. Save the Bt120 billion for investment in Thailand's infrastructure where there will be an immediate increase in the GDP.