The science and technology minister is seeking cooperation from the interior minister to revive a project to appoint a "science czar" in every province.
Science and Technology Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj said yesterday the provincial chief science adviser would act as an adviser to the governor and make scientific and technological recommendations.
Mr Pichet, referring to the position as the "wise man on science", said the permanent secretaries of the Science and Technology and Interior ministries have been discussing the project, which should be carried out jointly.
The provincial chief science adviser could be a scientist, science lecturer or unaffiliated scholar who must be from the province in which he or she works, he said.
The adviser should be able to combine local wisdom with modern scientific knowledge, as well as to enhance science learning and seek solutions to community problems.
"If it happens, we are going to see strengthened communities," Mr Pichet said. He added the science czars would help add value to their communities' products, especially those with a scientific bent.
The project was initiated several years ago, but it failed.
Under the old science czar plan, a deputy governor was appointed as the provincial chief science adviser.
However, these high-ranking officials often failed to perform because they were overworked.
Mr Pichet did not give a timeframe for the proposal, saying only that his ministry needs to discuss further details with the Interior Ministry.
He said he wants to implement the plan as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, the minister helped celebrate HRH Princess Sirindhorn's 60th birthday by giving 60 telescopes to 60 schools in 25 provinces, which he said would encourage students to learn more about astronomy.
The princess has shown an interest in stars and the universe by going star-gazing on many occasions.
She hopes children will pay more attention to celestial bodies, which she says will help develop the way they think and research when they grow up.