Prof. Dr. Yoschanan is ready to promote research as the new economic engine of the country through the 2026 Thailand Research Expo.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said Thailand is entering an era where research and innovation must be key drivers of economic and social development. The collaboration of researchers, universities, the private sector, industry, investors, and the public is essential.
This collaboration will help transform knowledge from laboratories into practical applications, creating innovations that generate income, jobs, and concretely improve citizens’ quality of life. He also delivered a keynote speech titled 'Clinical Research: New Growth Engine' for Thailand on the global stage, emphasizing that clinical research is a vital opportunity to boost the country's competitiveness, supported by strong medical personnel, quality public health systems, leading universities and hospitals.
Furthermore, with the potential of Thai researchers, if all sectors develop a comprehensive clinical research ecosystem, Thailand can become the regional hub for clinical research and add value to the country's health industry in the future. The aim is to elevate Thailand to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy and prepare for growth in the future medical and health industries.
Dr. Vipharat De-Ong said the 21st Thailand Research Expo 2026 is a significant national platform for publicizing research and innovation. It was first held in 2006 to honor King Rama IX and has continuously evolved into the country’s central research network hub.
Over more than 20 years, the expo has demonstrated the potential of Thai research to be practically applied in economic, social, community, and public policy dimensions. It relies on collaboration across all sectors of the national research system to drive the country based on knowledge, science, research, and innovation.
The event also features a special forum, 'Thailand Clinical Research Hub: Aligning Clinical Research Capacity with New Growth Engine Policy,' to advance Thailand as a clinical research center. It includes three key panel discussions: 'Thailand's Clinical Research Moment: Opportunities, Risks, and National Intentions,' 'Closing the Gap: What Each Stakeholder Can Do to Attract Sponsors to Thailand,'
and 'The Operational Reality: Frontline Perspectives on What Can Unlock Thailand's Potential in 3 Years,' concluding with 'Charting the Course: Thailand Clinical Research Directions 2026–2029' to set development milestones toward becoming a regional and global clinical research hub.
Highlights include exhibitions of over 1,000 outstanding research and innovation projects from networks nationwide, reflecting Thai researchers’ ability to turn knowledge into practical benefits, such as the project developing toys, puppets, and robots into innovations showcased at the 2024 World Puppet Festival by the National Science Museum Organization.
Other projects include RakYim, an AI-driven digital oral health platform expanding dental service access in Thailand by the Department of Health; a leadership development model based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy strengthening the Nong Bua Chum community in Kalasin province by the Community Development Department; and innovations for inspecting solar farms using artificial intelligence and drones by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
Additional exhibits feature 'Phalang Koi: Local Food to Global Food Innovation' by Suratthani Rajabhat University; an anti-pressure sore and allergy bed by Nawamintharachini Hospital; and innovations for healing chronic wounds in cats using stem cells combined with concentrated platelets in difficult and drug-resistant cases by Srinakharinwirot University.
Also showcased is an innovation synthesizing bio melanin fibers from acidic soil inspired by a royal initiative on the Chaipattana Foundation land to create fashion products and support grassroots entrepreneurs by Silpakorn University. These all demonstrate the power of Thai research and innovation in driving sustainable economic, social, health, environmental, and quality-of-life improvements for the public.
The 2026 Thailand Research Expo will be held from 22–26 June 2026 at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel, floors 22–23, Bangkok, under the theme 'Research Synergy: Research Power Creating a Sustainable Thai Economy and Society.'