Thailand Program Management Unit on Area-based Development bags win at GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025

The agency won the Thailand Infrastructure Project of the Year - Community award.

Thailand’s Program Management Unit on Area-based Development (PMU A) operates under the supervision of the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), which is an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), with the financial support of the National Science Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF). PMU A took home the Thailand Infrastructure Project of the Year – Community category win at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 for overseeing smart city initiatives that have driven urban innovation to several cities’ unique challenges.

The Program Management Unit on Area-based Development (PMU A) is the funding agency that acts as a catalyst for area-based change by utilising research and innovation data to drive transformation. PMU A plays a role in area-based upgrading and urban development, a crucial agenda. Over the past five years since its establishment, it has accumulated technology and knowledge, culminating in an incubation programme called "The Program for Incubation and Acceleration Processes Toward the Development of a Smart City." This programme bridges the gap between demand and supply by collaborating with local government units or local administrative organisations.

The "Incubation and Acceleration Program towards Smart Livable Cities" is operated by the Program Management Unit for Area-based Development (PMU-A) to concretely develop 18 target cities into "smart livable cities." This project focusses on the practical application of research-based knowledge, 18 sets of technologies, and 39 Urban City Solutions within these areas. This is achieved through academic collaboration with Mahasarakham University and a network of local universities working with local administrative organisations, with the Association of City and Town Municipalities serving as a key network partner in translating research outcomes into tangible actions at the city level. The objectives are to address urban problems, enhance the quality of life for citizens, and foster inclusive and sustainable urban growth, in alignment with the national strategy for smart city development and inequality reduction.

These initiatives have been done in collaboration with universities that are leading the way in urban development.

In the realm of disaster resilience and smart city management, Prince of Songkla University partnered with Pak Kret City Municipality to develop smart cities with a focus on flood risk management, whilst Thung Song Town Municipality also collaborated in using technology to enhance urban security.

The university also worked with Nonthaburi City Municipality in upgrading health services for an ageing society. Meanwhile, Phanat Nikhom Town Municipality and Burapha University worked together to promote the creative economy and youth participation.

Phitsanulok City Municipality and Naresuan University tied up to enhance the creative economy through tourism and crowdfunding. The university also worked together with Nakhon Sawan City Municipality to utilise esports as a tool for smart city development.

To create an elderly-friendly urban ecosystem, the Phrae Town Municipality and Uttaradit Rajabhat University developed spatial data. Meanwhile, Chumphon Town Municipality and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang developed a digital municipal platform to support an ageing society.

Sakon Nakhon City Municipality and Kasetsart University collaborated in utilising digital data to enhance public services towards a smart city, whilst Nakhon Si Thammarat City Municipality and Walailak University joined forces to study factors for smart city development and liveability.

At the same time, Chiang Mai University forged partnerships with three municipalities for its sustainable & eco-friendly urban development initiatives. With Mae Hia Town Municipality, it has developed a learning city focussed on organic waste management. It has also designed an urban ecosystem with Lampang City Municipality, which connects spaces whilst preserving historical areas.

Moreover, it worked with Lamphun Town Municipality to use cultural festival models to enhance the local economy.

Other efforts in eco-friendly urban development included the collaboration of Kalasin Town Municipality and Kalasin University in transforming the city into a sustainable, happy living space, as well as the partnership between Chiang Rai City Municipality and Mae Fah Luang University that promoted innovative agriculture for sustainable urban development.

Si Sa Ket Town Municipality and Sisaket Rajabhat University also worked together to become a smart learning city to support lifelong education.

Meanwhile, Roi Et Town Municipality and Roi Et Rajabhat University strengthened economic networks for a modern and safe city. Saraburi Town Municipality and Chulalongkorn University’s partnership also revitalised the commercial centre to address urban shrinkage.

PMU A’s supervision of these collaborations integrates research, technology, and urban policy to develop customised solutions for each city's needs, ensuring sustainable and inclusive urban growth across Thailand. This has been achieved through close collaboration with the Association of City and Town Municipalities of Thailand, which plays a key role in linking and supporting the efforts of city and town municipalities nationwide.

GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 celebrates the achievements of government projects and initiatives from both government organisations and private sector companies that are not only transforming Asia Pacific but are also making a significant impact across the globe.

The Gov Media Awards is presented by Gov Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].