From: sl2k+@andrew.cmu.edu (Schitt Laowattana)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.thai
Subject: Part(2):Major Problems and Limitations in S&TD in Thailand
Date: 12 Aug 92 08:53:25 GMT
Article-I.D.: andrew.seWI85i00WBKA2xVBA
Organization: Doctoral student, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA


    I hope that Thai professionals ,who have lots of experiences, won't
stand still when there is demand for their helps (, eventhough, it's not
publicly advertised).  Below is  a series of information on "Major
Problems and Limitation in S&TD in Thailand".  Please share your helps
and opinions in these important issues.
 
Your Respectfully,
Schitt(DJ)

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                   Part(2): Inadequate Information Service

    It is well recognized that information is one of the most critical
components in development of any kind, particularly in scientific and
technological development.  The role of information becomes increasingly
important in this age of rapid technological changes and all the three
technology areas under study are advancing very fast.  Vast amount of
information are generated each year.  Hundreds of technical journals in
these fields are being published and thousands of handbooks, standards,
codes of practice, patents and other forms of information are in
existence.

    The first problem for Thailand with regard to technological
information concerns its inadequacy.  This is understandable in view of
the fact that these three araes are relatively new to Thailand.  This is
true for all forms of information, partcularly high quality journals and
handbooks which are rather expensive.  More efforts to improve the
collection of up-to-date technical information are necessary.

    The second problem concerns the accessibility of locally available
information.  At present, technical information is scattered in various
places, mostly in universities and colleges throughout the country. 
This makes access dificult since one has to go several locations in
order to obtain necessary information.  Most of the technical
information is in English or other foreign languages which makes it
difficult to comprehend for many, particularly those in the private
sector.  Even university students encounter immense problems due to
language barriers.  Attempts should therefore be made to organize the
information system so as to make it more accessible and to translate
books, handbooks, and selected articles in technical journals into Tthe
Thai language.

    I've just received an information of an inormation center so called
"Technical Information Access Center(TIAC)".  TIAC is a cooperative
project between Thai Govt and US Govt.  Financial assistance is provided
through USAID.  Its services are:

        * Searching databases such as DIALOG and BRS directly from USA
        * Fast service in these fileds:Medicines, Sciences and
Technology, Business, Agriculture, International Trade, Marketing etc.
        * Full and Short document from Journals, microfilms (worldwide)
        * Immediate submisson of searched documents by FAX
    -----
    -----

    TIAC Network

    - Chulalongkorn University
    - Kasetsart University
    - Konkaen University
    - Chiengmai University
    - Mahidol University
    - Srinakarinthwirot University
    - Songkla University
    - King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Thonburi(KMITT)
    - NIDA
    - Scientific & Technological Research Institute
    - Minitry of Industry
    - AUA Library
    - AIT

    Service Charges

    - Private sector          900 bath/subject   (bath:Thai currency)
    - Govt.   sector          500 bath/subject

============================================================================
Please continue reading Part(3) on "Inadequate Technical Services".... 
in this net.


Posted by


Schitt(DJ)  Laowattana

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Current Address in USA:

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
USA
Tel. No. 268-8880
Fax. No. 268-3348
e-mail: sl2k@andrew.cmu.edu


Permanent Address in Thailand:

Center of Operation for FIeld roBOtics Development(FIBO)
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Thonburi
91 Suksawasd 48  Ratburana  Bangmod
Bangkok 10140, Thailand

Tel. No. 428-3374, 427-4421 and 4270151-9 Ext. 461
Fax. No. 427-8077, 427-8787

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