Bangkok ‘maker’ event helps to develop innovative mindset as ideas exchanged 

As the country’s biggest event of its kind, the aim is to promote the culture of invention in Thailand, one of the primary foundations of the government’s Thailand 4.0 strategy. 
The annual event was held on January 21-22 in front of The Street Ratchada, with more than 5,000 attendees.
Artit Krichphiphat, business support general manager at Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, said that the outcomes of the inaugural Bangkok Mini Maker Faire in 2015 were beyond expectations with more than 4,000 visitors, providing opportunities for makers across Thailand to exchange ideas and showcase their works. 
Additionally, the fair has promoted greater awareness of the maker culture in Thailand. In order to extend last year’s success, this year Chevron joined forces with NSTDA and other partners to host the second Bangkok Mini Maker Faire. 
“We hope the event will help strengthen the maker culture and the community, enabling the country to prepare for the Thailand 4.0 era, a government strategy to transform Thailand to a country driven by technology, creativity and innovation,” Artit said.
The event featured more than 60 booths showcasing innovations and inventions from makers across Thailand, along with many activities aimed at engaging young people and igniting their interest in the maker culture. These ranged from workshops focused on 3D printers and drone-making to a Hebocon robot contest for dummies and electric parades.
Narong Sirilertworakul, president of the NSTDA, said that in response to the Thailand 4.0 strategy, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched the Startup Thailand policy, which aimed to provide startups with skills such as adding value to products and services, and equipping them with an entrepreneurial mindset to expand in Asean and the global market. The strength of Thai startups is key in driving the country’s economic growth, Narong said. 
And a strong maker culture foundation nurtured by events such as this will contribute to the stable development of the startup sector. Thus, the Maker Faire plays an important role in driving the maker movement, and raising public awareness about the great economic potential and importance of makers.
Promoting maker culture is part of Chevron’s social commitment. Bangkok Mini Maker Faire is one of the activities under the “Chevron Enjoy Science” programme, said Artit, Initiated in 2015, the five-year project aims to promote interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students.
 “We believe that the enhancement of national competitiveness through innovations can be another drive toward the success of Thailand 4.0 strategy, and we are proud to be able to support this agenda,” Artit said.