Research Promotion, Innovation Utilization & Recognition
18 September 2026
1. Driving the “Valuable Timber Communities Initiative” in Accordance with the Cabinet Resolution
On 18 September 2018, the Cabinet of Thailand approved the implementation of the Valuable Timber Communities Initiative, with the goal of establishing 20,000 valuable timber communities nationwide within a ten-year period. The resolution also called for the revision of relevant laws, regulations, and administrative measures to facilitate the effective implementation of the initiative.
The initiative is being implemented through close collaboration among the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the Bioeconomy Development Office (Public Organization) (BEDO), the Royal Forest Department (RFD), and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). As part of this collaborative effort, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) plays a key role in advancing the research-driven mechanism for “Research for Strengthening and Sustainability” through the following approaches:
1. Research and Innovation Grants to Advance Knowledge, Technology and Innovation
NRCT provides research and innovation grants to generate new knowledge, technologies and innovations in key areas, including:
1) Expanding green spaces, such as:
- Planting valuable timber species and economic crops in combination with mycorrhizal mushroom cultivation.
- Managing the cultivation of valuable timber trees along waterways to support ecosystem conservation
2. Thailand Research Expo 2026 Award
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine and Silpakorn University Win Platinum Awards at Thailand Research Expo 2026, Reflecting the Potential of Thailand's Research Ecosystem
June 26, 2026 — The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), hosted the Thailand Research Expo 2026 Award ceremony as part of the "Thailand Research Expo 2026."
The prestigious Platinum Award winners received royal trophies bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, along with cash prizes and certificates. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the NRCT, presided over the ceremony, joined by executives, NRCT distinguished experts, agency leaders, and award recipients at the Highlight Stage, Bangkok Convention Centre, 22nd Floor, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong stated that this year's Thailand Research Expo reflects the success of driving the country's research and innovation system. The Thailand Research Expo 2026 Award aims to honor agencies with outstanding research and innovation exhibitions and presentations. This initiative builds morale, promotes high-quality knowledge dissemination, and elevates the standard of communicating research to the public for concrete, practical utilization.
Thailand Research Expo 2026 Award Winners
Outstanding research and innovation projects recognized at the expo include:
🏆 Platinum Award (2 Prizes)
Recipient of the Royal Trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine:
- "Elevating the Value Chain of Thai Kratom under Thailand Kratom GACP Standards for a Comprehensive Drug Rehabilitation Service System"
- "Innovative Medical Cannabis Formulation from Traditional Thai Medicine for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders in the Public Health System"
Silpakorn University:
"Innovative Synthesis of Biological Melanin from Acid Sulfate Soils (under the Royal Initiative in the Chaipattana Foundation Lands) to Create Fashion Products and Promote Grassroots Economy Entrepreneurs"
3. The atmosphere at the "Thailand Research Expo 2026"
The atmosphere at the "Thailand Research Expo 2026" held at the Centara Grand Hotel and Bangkok Convention Center, CentralWorld, Bangkok.
