Professor Taikan Oki received Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Naresuan University

On 24th February 2026, Professor Taikan Oki, Department of Civil Engineering, received Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Naresuan University.

Professor Taikan Oki receiving the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the commencement ceremony of Naresuan University (February 24, 2026, Thailand).

Honorary Doctor of Philosophy, Naresuan University

An honorary degree conferred by Naresuan University in Thailand to individuals who have made outstanding academic and societal contributions.

About  research

Professor Taikan Oki has led international collaborative research on the global water cycle and water resources in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, for more than 30 years. His contributions include damage assessment and policy advice following the catastrophic flooding of the Chao Phraya River in 2011, which also had major impacts on Japan, as well as studies on climate change impacts and the development of Thailand’s national adaptation plan. He has also worked extensively with universities such as Naresuan University, Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University, and King Mongkut’s University of Technology, as well as government agencies including the Royal Irrigation Department and the Meteorological Department. Through these collaborations, he has contributed to the enhancement of hydrometeorological observation networks and the development of early warning and information systems for floods and landslides. These long-standing contributions to research and international cooperation were recognized with the conferment of the honorary doctorate.

Your impression & future plan

This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance of my mentors, the dedicated efforts of colleagues in Japan and Thailand who continued our research together through much trial and hardship, and the long-term support of funding agencies and many related individuals both within and outside our institutions.
Although our joint research is currently on pause, I intend to continue contributing, in whatever small way I can, to research exchange between Japan and Thailand in the future.