Professor Dr. Chonwit Jiarajit, President of Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), said that collaboration between the university and the private sector is a key mechanism to bring scientifically supported knowledge and research into developing quality, safe, and standardized health products.
The university specializes in research, while the private sector is ready in product development, production, and marketing. Combining these strengths will create high-value health innovations, boost consumer confidence, and enhance the competitiveness of Thai products domestically and internationally.
"The university is proud to have a strong research team specializing in probiotics, especially Thai probiotic strains, which are a highlight of SWU's Faculty of Medicine. We have transferred technology to industry and developed commercial health product innovations for over five years, creating health and economic value for the country. This demonstrates that Thai research can advance into practical innovations and reduce reliance on foreign probiotics."
Professor Dr. Prin Chaivisuthangkura, SWU Vice President for Research and Innovation, stated that the university encourages faculty to conduct both fundamental and applied research and is establishing a legal entity called SWU Holding Company to jointly invest in commercializing research. This collaboration with the private sector shows SWU's research potential to concretely advance toward commercialization.
The initial five-year cooperation framework with LivPlus covers research and development of health product innovations, support for research and student scholarships, academic knowledge exchange, and joint conferences and seminars. It also offers students real work experience to develop skills, enhancing the capabilities of new personnel and researchers, while supporting the practical application of knowledge and research outcomes in business and industry.
"From this collaboration, we expect to develop a considerable number of health products because these probiotics are isolated from Thai people, differing from other countries. Consuming Thai probiotic strains should improve health as they align with the bacteria naturally found in Thai people. The research team will continue development. Moreover, SWU has other research groups developing interesting health products, which we expect to collaborate with the private sector to increase commercialized products."
Assistant Professor Dr. Nantana Chumchuay, Dean of SWU Faculty of Medicine, said, "The faculty is proud to have a research team led by Associate Professor Dr. Malai Taweechotipat, who has succeeded in producing research on Thai probiotic strains that can be developed into innovations and commercial products. The faculty also continues to develop several other health products from research, ready to transfer technology to interested entrepreneurs."
Associate Professor Dr. Malai Taweechotipat, Head of the Center of Excellence in Probiotic Research at SWU Faculty of Medicine, revealed that after more than 15 years of probiotic research, the center's strength lies in developing Thai probiotic strains—from strain selection, mechanism studies, animal testing, to clinical trials with Thai populations. Research shows Thai probiotic strains can reduce inflammation and liver fat accumulation, as well as lower blood sugar and lipid levels, which is a promising trend addressing major national health issues.
For example, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, and fatty liver disease. Developing Thai probiotic strains combined with key active ingredients from the private sector will enhance opportunities and potential to develop functional products that meet health needs and increase commercial value.
However, we must thank the private sector for recognizing the importance and trusting the research and potential of Srinakharinwirot University researchers. This trust is vital encouragement for researchers to continue development and presents a good opportunity to jointly advance knowledge toward health product development.
LivPlus has active ingredients with diverse functional properties that can be studied and developed alongside the university's research knowledge to enhance product potential. Scientific research and testing will study effectiveness in reducing liver fat accumulation and blood lipid levels, aiming to develop new health product innovations. Initially, the goal is to develop five new health products within five years.
Ms. Trijuta Suangthammai, Executive Director of LivPlus Health Solution Co., Ltd., which produces supplements under the LivPlus brand, said that health awareness is increasingly popular as Thailand becomes an aging society. Many people face health problems, especially liver health, which is one of the most common issues. Most people do not prioritize liver health and maintain behaviors that risk liver disease, which often shows no symptoms until inflammation or severe stages.
Over the past nine years, LivPlus has continuously provided information and raised awareness about liver health care for consumers, aiming to help them understand and choose appropriate health care methods. The choice of supplements depends on individual needs and suitability. The company recognizes supplements as one health care option that must build consumer confidence.
The collaboration with SWU Faculty of Medicine, especially the Center of Excellence in Probiotic Research, addresses the need for quality, research-backed, effective, and safe products. Probiotic research can advance existing products for liver and digestive health and create new products for the elderly. SWU's Thai probiotic strains are specifically suited for Thai people and can support long-term consumer health care.
LivPlus is among Thailand's first brands focusing on liver health, concentrating on developing products for liver and digestive system care to address health problems common in Thai people, such as liver cancer, the leading cause of death among Thai men, and fatty liver, which affects one in five adults.
Due to ongoing product development and business expansion, LivPlus now distributes through convenience stores like 7-Eleven, leading pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and online channels. The company also plans to invest in building its own manufacturing plant soon to support business growth, increase production capacity, and prepare for future expansion.
. Chanya Panitchtrakun, Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at Hatari Electric Co., Ltd., said that late in the year, many people look for gifts for those around them. Besides meaning, they want gifts that are practical for everyday use.
Hatari has developed the "Send Coolness to Show You Care" campaign to welcome the year-end giving season by selecting a variety of gift sets for different uses, providing more options suitable for recipients.
Tatsanlak Panitchtrakun, Assistant Managing Director of Research and Development at Hatari Electric Co., Ltd., added that over 35 years, Hatari has learned that everyday comfort often comes from small things that people truly experience and value when consistent.
This idea underlies product development and consumer relationships. For its 35th anniversary, Hatari wants to expand the meaning of comfort beyond products through a campaign that allows consumers to share good things with those around them and society.
The "Send Coolness to Show You Care" campaign celebrating Hatari's 35th anniversary offers three special benefits: 1) Exclusive Holiday Bundle Sets at special festival prices; 2) Points redemption to donate money to Ramathibodi Foundation via Hatari Cool Rewards; 3) A free Hatari Windy Bag with purchases over 1,500 baht. The campaign runs until 31 Dec 2026. Details and terms are available on Facebook: Hatari and the Hatari Official website.https://hatari.co.th/
Korean Seaweed Snacks Panthip Leetachiva, Director of Non-Alcoholic Brand Marketing Group at Boon Rawd Trading Co., Ltd., said that the roasted seaweed snack market is the fastest growing and expanding continuously, matching health-conscious modern consumers. According to 7-Eleven data, Machita leads the roasted seaweed segment, leveraging its expertise in Korean seaweed to develop Korean-style snack products.
Recently, the company launched Korean seaweed crackers with shrimp flavor to offer consumers more choices and diversify seaweed consumption options while maintaining the strengths of 100% authentic Korean seaweed and no added MSG.
The Korean-style shrimp-flavored seaweed crackers feature thin, crispy dough with a flavor suited to Thai tastes. The 20-gram packs are priced at 39 baht and are available now at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.