Dr. Wiparat Dee-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), said the Thailand Research Expo was first held in 2006 to honor His Majesty King Rama IX. It has since evolved into the country's central research networking hub. Over more than two decades, the event has demonstrated that research and innovation can be effectively applied in economic, social, community sectors and public policy, creating tangible positive impacts on national development.
This year's event features 231 agencies presenting over 1,000 research and innovation works covering key areas such as future technology and innovation, BCG economic model, environment, health, education, Thai Soft Power, community development, and quality of life. The aim is to create a platform connecting researchers with all beneficiaries including businesses, investors, and the public to expand the practical use of research and innovation.
Highlighted exhibits include the Pathfinder UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) robot from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, a remote-controlled robot designed to detect and locate landmines and unexploded ordnance in border and hard-to-reach areas; and a radar system developed by King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok to detect drones for air defense.
This drone detection system enables precise and rapid identification of unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles entering restricted areas. Another exhibit is the anti-decubitus and allergy prevention bed from Nawamintharachini Hospital, integrating engineering and nursing knowledge to improve patient quality of life and reduce reliance on imports.
Additionally, there is a kratom-based herbal medicine innovation for treating alcohol addiction developed by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. This product adapts the traditional Prasakarn Daeng recipe into an effervescent tablet, offering a new treatment option. Also featured is the Thai Silk Synthesis project from Buriram Rajabhat University, integrating design, science, and technology knowledge to elevate Buriram's mudmee silk to an international level.
Other notable research and innovations include a semi-automatic fish gutting and cleaning machine, alternative protein products, a flood risk awareness and communication system for the public, and starch-free egg white fettuccine noodles using gelation technology.
Another key activity is a stage for students and youth from higher education institutions nationwide to present research and innovation through pitching, mini stages, and special exhibitions. This offers young people opportunities to showcase their potential, share creative ideas, and exchange experiences with researchers, experts, and entrepreneurs from diverse fields.
The event also features over 153 academic discussion sessions covering future technologies, climate change adaptation, artificial intelligence, modern medicine, creative economy development, and future skills. These forums aim to broaden youths' perspectives on further education and career opportunities in the modern world.
The Thailand Research Expo 2026 is not only a platform to display the country's research but also an inspirational space for students and young people to discover new knowledge, learn from real experiences, and experience technologies and innovations that are transforming the world.
It also helps them envision their educational paths, careers, and futures powered by science, research, and innovation. The public is invited to attend the Thailand Research Expo 2026 from 22 to 26 June 2026 at the Bangkok Convention Center, Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel, Bangkok. Discover research and innovations that turn ideas into driving forces for the nation under the theme 'Research Synergy: Research Power Creating Sustainable Thai Economy and Society.'
Blood Donation Activity The XSpring financial business group organized a blood donation event to honor and pay tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Princess Rajasarinisiri Patchra, the Great Royal Daughter. Executives and employees from XSpring Capital Public Company Limited (XPG) and affiliated companies including XSpring Asset Management Company Limited (XSpringAM), XSpring Digital Company Limited (XD), XSpring Asset Management Company Limited (XAMC), and Krungthai XSpring Company Limited (KTX) participated.
New Dimension of Tap-and-Scan Payment on Tuk-Tuks Krungthai Bank and Visa introduced a new experience for tourists with the first cashless payment service on tuk-tuks in Thailand. The system supports tap payments via debit and credit cards as well as QR code credit card payments, enhancing convenience and security. This meets the growing preference of international tourists for digital payment methods.
This collaboration reflects Krungthai Bank’s vision and Visa’s role in supporting Thailand’s tourism sector through secure, globally standardized payment systems. They installed systems capable of processing debit cards, credit cards, and QR code credit card payments on tuk-tuks, a key symbol of Thai tourism, offering a popular service among tourists worldwide.
In the first phase, 60-80 tuk-tuks from the Samlon Nakornluang Cooperative were equipped with this system. There are plans to expand coverage to 10-15% of all tuk-tuks in Bangkok by 2027 to support international tourists’ travel and spending. This also aids tuk-tuk drivers by providing modern payment solutions, increasing opportunities to earn from foreign customers, reducing cash handling constraints, and modernizing Thailand’s tourism image to meet digital travelers’ expectations.