Dr. Viparat Dee-Ong, director of the National Research Office, said the 2026 Thailand Research Expo reflects the success of advancing the country’s research and innovation system. The event included the Thailand Research Expo 2026 Award to honor agencies excelling in exhibiting and presenting research and innovations.
This award aims to encourage and enhance the quality of knowledge dissemination, raising the standard of communicating research results to the public and their practical application. This year, over 1,000 research and innovation projects from nationwide networks were exhibited, attracting strong interest from both domestic and international attendees.
At the 2026 National Research Expo, the Thailand Research Expo 2026 Award was announced and presented to outstanding research and innovation projects. Two institutions won the Platinum Award and received the royal trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
These are the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine for their work on upgrading the Thai kratom value chain according to the Thailand Kratom GACP standard to support comprehensive drug rehabilitation services, and innovations in kratom herbal medicine prescriptions for treating alcohol-related problems within the public health system.
And Silpakorn University for their innovation in synthesizing biological melanin fibers from acid soil based on the royal initiative on the land of the Chaipattana Foundation.
The Gold Award, totaling four awards, were presented with trophies from the Prime Minister, including:
1. The project upgrading the Thai rubber industry value chain using the BCG model: innovation of biological cow udder dip and waste management from rubber latex product manufacturing by Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin.
3. The cultural area management project to enhance the community cultural market at Ban Mai Rim Khlong Chedi Bucha (in front of Wat Phra Ngam), Nakhon Pathom Province by Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University.
4. The project to upgrade and expand technology for processing cocoa seed products to meet quality standards and increase income for farmers in southern Thailand by Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University.
5. The CubeSat satellite project (KNACKSAT) by King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok.
The Silver Award, comprising six awards, received trophies from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, including:
1. The Yan Yao Model: a social innovation enhancing Southern turmeric to add value to the BCG-based grassroots economy by Thaksin University.
2. The Mudmee silk project: the art of science by Buriram Rajabhat University.
3. The project to improve brick efficiency with barium sulfate and titanium dioxide additives for X-ray shielding walls by the Phraboromarajchanok Institute.
4. The Wang Somsa Model: transitioning community enterprises through advanced biological-based innovation that creates economic value and sustainable social and environmental resilience by Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.
5. Lumos: a portable pesticide residue test kit for safe food by the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology.
6. The smart salinity system for Songkhla Lake by Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya.
Additionally, eight Bronze Awards were given, with four institutions receiving trophies from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation: Mae Fah Luang University, Department of Rice, Department of Health, Srisiwarinthira Nursing Institute, and the Thai Red Cross Society. Four institutions received trophies from the National Research Office director.
These four include the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (public organization), Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Suan Dusit University, and the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (public organization). There were also 18 consolation awards given with certificates.
These research projects have developed prototype products ready for practical use, alongside technology transfer and building collaboration networks among universities, communities, and entrepreneurs to enhance grassroots economic potential, create jobs, increase income, and develop fashion products from Thai identity that can compete globally. This reflects the role of Thai research in creating economic value while conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
The 2026 Thailand Research Expo Award results highlight the capability of Thai researchers to generate knowledge and innovations addressing national development across economic, social, health, environmental, and quality-of-life dimensions. It reaffirms the National Research Expo’s role as a key platform linking research knowledge to tangible benefits and driving Thailand’s sustainable development through science, research, and innovation.
Mechanism to elevate Thai entrepreneurs to the global market The Department of International Trade Promotion’s (DITP) THINK THAILAND: NEXT LEVEL campaign under the Ministry of Commerce is a new roadmap designed to guide Thai entrepreneurs steadily and clearly toward their goals.
Since 2024, this campaign has served as a driving force and source of inspiration for Thai entrepreneurs to confidently enter the global trade arena, opening doors to new opportunities abroad. In 2026, the department plans to intensify efforts so that exports are not merely about placing products on shelves but creating value that allows Thai brands to shine on the world stage, growing steadily and sustainably over the long term.
DITP positions this campaign as a key tool to push Thai products globally, starting with modernizing their image under the concept Thai to Global — From Local Value to Global Vision. This core message communicates a contemporary, globally relevant perspective of Thai identity.
The campaign aims not only to upgrade the image of Thai products but also to develop the Next Level by promoting innovative, quality, and standard-compliant products and services that meet the precise needs of modern consumers, aligning with major global megatrends such as sustainability—developing environmentally friendly products and services.
Wellness—products and services promoting physical and mental health. Aging Consumers—products and services addressing the needs of an aging society. This approach will enhance Thai entrepreneurs’ competitiveness and support sustainable growth of Thai products in global trade.
Preparing entrepreneurs thoroughly enables Thai brands and products to compete on the global stage through various learning courses, both online and offline, with export experts via the New Exporter Academy (NEA) of DITP. A key mechanism is closing sales deals in foreign markets. In 2026, DITP plans more than 680 activities, including trade shows, business matchmaking, and trade delegations, to increase sales opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and clarify communication strategies for Thai products and services.
For THINK THAILAND: NEXT LEVEL, communication plans focus clearly on three product groups: Food & Fruit—exporting Thai food and fruit emphasizing international quality standards; Fashion—combining art, design, and fashion that blends Thai identity with modern design to enhance value and brand uniqueness; and Wellness—products and services for daily life, health, and beauty that meet the demands of new-generation consumers in the global market.