Laying the groundwork for workforce and technology development in Thai industry by connecting real manufacturing challenges with knowledge, practical training, and technology infrastructure.
On August 26, 2026, representatives of Thailand Die Casting Association (TDCA) met with Mr. Pratchaya Intharanupakorn, Director of the Thai-German Institute (TGI), at TGI in Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate. They exchanged perspectives and discussed potential collaboration as partners in the industrial network.
Meeting participants
The TDCA delegation comprised Mr. Somsak Boonsang, President; Mr. Tanwa Longthong, Secretary; and Mr. Adisak Banphot, Advisor. Mr. Pratchaya Intharanupakorn, Director of TGI, welcomed the delegation and joined discussions on strengthening manufacturing capabilities, particularly in Thailand's die casting industry.
Connecting the strengths of TDCA and TGI
The meeting explored the capabilities of both organizations and opportunities for future collaboration, focusing on workforce development, reducing gaps in technology and knowledge, and incorporating real industry challenges into systematic learning, practical training, and capability development.
TDCA provides a neutral platform connecting the die casting ecosystem: OEMs, component manufacturers, mold makers, materials suppliers, design services, machinery and technology providers, heat treatment, surface engineering, welding and mold repair services, universities, researchers, specialists, government bodies, and international partners.
This role enables TDCA to gather manufacturers' needs and real production challenges, then connect them with specialist knowledge, technology, and experience to develop solutions that address industry needs directly.
TGI's capabilities span workforce training and development, courses tailored to manufacturers' needs, materials testing and analysis, metrology, mold and die technology, welding, automation and robotics, smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and manufacturing consulting. They also include research, prototype development, and testbeds for evaluating technologies before practical implementation.
These capabilities directly address the needs of the die casting industry, which requires integrated knowledge of mold design, materials selection, process control, machinery maintenance, and component quality inspection and assurance.
TGI recognizes TDCA's potential as an industry network
The discussion gave both organizations a clearer understanding of their roles and strengths within the die casting ecosystem, including the potential of TDCA's extensive domestic and international network.
A key topic was TDCA's international partner network, which connects with rapidly advancing manufacturers of die casting machinery, equipment, and technology. The TGI Director acknowledged these technological developments and discussed how the network could support learning and capability development for Thailand's industrial workforce.
Connections through TDCA could therefore broaden access to international technology manufacturers, specialists, and knowledge for TGI and Thai industry.
The approaches described in this article remain under discussion while suitable forms of collaboration are explored. This is not an announcement of a new course or an invitation to register for training.
Opportunities for die casting training collaboration
Another key topic was the opportunity to develop die casting training collaboration to strengthen TGI's knowledge and specialist capabilities in the die casting industry.
The workforce development approaches discussed extend beyond classroom instruction. They emphasize hands-on learning and direct understanding of machinery, manufacturing processes, and technology from manufacturers and technology developers.
Learning could include machinery demonstrations, practice with real equipment, production studies at industrial sites, and sharing experience with specialists, machine manufacturers, and technology providers. This would help participants connect theoretical knowledge with practical industrial applications.
TDCA could help gather manufacturers' needs, bring real factory challenges into the development process, and connect relevant specialists and technology partners. TGI's training systems, personnel, equipment, and infrastructure could support the design of activities or courses that match industry needs.
Workforce development and narrowing the technology gap could be the first steps in the relationship between TDCA and TGI, before considering technical activities, testing, consulting, specialist course development, or other forms of collaboration.
The Technical and Knowledge Corner concept
The organizations also discussed a Technical and Knowledge Corner as a space connecting technology, knowledge, and practical learning for the die casting industry.
The concept could allow manufacturers of machinery, equipment, and related technologies to display and demonstrate their products and share knowledge with TGI personnel, manufacturers, and other industry participants on an ongoing basis.
A Technical and Knowledge Corner could also extend the use of machinery and equipment after major industrial exhibitions, through private exhibitions, process demonstrations, practical training, and direct knowledge transfer from technology manufacturers.
This approach would let machinery and technology serve as long-term tools for learning, workforce development, and deeper technical understanding, beyond the duration of an exhibition.
The Technical and Knowledge Corner concept requires further discussion on operating models, space, technologies to display, organizational responsibilities, and participation by manufacturers and other partners.
Laying the foundation for future collaboration
The meeting enabled TDCA and TGI to exchange information on their roles, strengths, and capabilities, and identify opportunities to connect industry networks with existing knowledge, personnel, technology, and infrastructure.
The discussion reflected shared interest in die casting training, hands-on workforce development using real machinery and processes, connections with international technology manufacturers, and the Technical and Knowledge Corner concept as a continuing space for learning and technology transfer.
The meeting marked the start of a relationship between TDCA and TGI as industrial network partners. Topics of mutual interest will be examined and discussed in detail to develop practical forms of collaboration that meet the needs of Thailand's die casting industry.
