China funds Thai universities and scientific research institutions to carry various projects under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund in 2021

On December 14th, the Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, signed the 2021 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund with the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of Thailand. On November 5, 2021, the budget was approved by the Thai government.

The 5-years special fund will finance a variety of projects at Thai universities and research institutions: (1) Chiang Mai University is responsible for three projects: (a) $420,000 went towards helping aquatic animals in the Mekong Delta (b) $400,000 went towards a food security project and (c) $416,100 went towards a bee farm project. (Record ID# 92909, 92910, 92911, and 92912) (2) Suranaree University of technology received just under $340,000 for a project in breeding aquatic animals, and using local resources for sustainability. (Record ID# 92913) (3) Far Eastern University received $157,600 for a project to "manage digital data of the logistic providers in the member countries of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation." (Record ID# 92914) (4) Burapha University was given $184,900 for a health development project for women and children. (Record ID# 92915) (5) Geo-Informatics and Space Technology was given $479,000 to "develop a tracking system and assess the amounts of productivity of the cash crops in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar." (Record ID# 92916)