Minister Surasak of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation opened the 'Inventors' Day 2026' event, where Thai and international researchers presented over 1,000 inventions, highlighting the power of the new generation to unlock the country’s future.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, along with the National Research Office (NRO) as the central agency for research and invention, partnered with government agencies, private sectors, educational institutions, and international research and invention organizations to hold the 27th Thailand Inventors' Day 2026. The event was themed 'Unlock Thailand – Power of Invention and Innovation' and took place from 5 to 9 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, Bang Na, Bangkok.
This event commemorates the historic day when the patent for the 'Chaipattana Water Turbine' was presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the 'Father of Thai Invention.' The ceremony was honored by Minister Surasak Phanjaroenworakul presiding over the opening and delivering a keynote speech, with Dr. Viparat Di-ong, Director of the National Research Office, reporting the event's objectives.
Also present were Professor Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Siriruk Songsivilai, Chairman of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee; Professor Emeritus Dr. Sutthiporn Jitmittrapap, Chairman of the Science, Research and Innovation Budget Committee for fiscal year 2026; along with ministry executives, agency leaders, and numerous honored guests.
Minister Surasak Phanjaroenworakul stated that in today’s rapidly changing world, countries that will grow sustainably are not those with the most resources, but those that can transform knowledge into inventions and further develop innovations that have practical applications.
The Ministry recognizes the importance of using technology to concretely assist citizens, aiming to drive research agencies and universities nationwide as key mechanisms to advance the 'Quick Win' policy. In agriculture, the ministry promotes the 'Research for Edible Soil' policy to help farmers reduce labor, time, and chemical exposure risks by focusing on 'Four Increases': yield per rai, income, precision in spraying, and improved quality of life. In education, it emphasizes upgrading workforce skills through upskilling and reskilling in advanced technologies such as microelectronics, rail systems, digital technology, and AI via short courses and Sandbox New Graduate projects to produce highly skilled workers for the labor market and address unemployment.
Minister Surasak emphasized the key goal of producing graduates skilled in AI alongside modernizing Thailand’s education ecosystem. This involves shifting from technology importation to indigenous technology development through collaboration among government, private sector, and academic institutions, to translate research from the lab into real-life applications.
“Innovation is not the responsibility of any one individual but a shared duty. We must dare to think, dare to experiment, and dare to change to shape a strong, sustainable, and globally competitive future for the country,” Minister Surasak said.
The minister also praised the National Research Office and its Thai and international partners for organizing this grand annual event, which serves as a proud platform and vital inspiration for nurturing the next generation of Thai inventors.
Dr. Viparat Di-ong, Director of the National Research Office, said that Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026 commemorates the historic patent presentation of the 'Chaipattana Water Turbine' to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, known as the 'Father of Thai Invention.' This year, the NRO focuses on showcasing inventions ready for practical application across all sectors, featuring over 1,000 works by inventors from Thailand and more than 20 countries worldwide. The event includes a royal tribute exhibition, a memorial exhibition of the National Research Awards honoring outstanding inventors and researchers, thematic invention displays in areas such as agriculture, medicine, energy, and environment, and the youth invention contest 'Thailand New Gen Inventors Award' or 'I-New Gen' to inspire young talents.
Dr. Viparat added that the NRO hopes this event will be a crucial mechanism for raising awareness and stimulating innovation development, serving as a driving force for Thailand’s sustainable economic and social growth.
The NRO invites students and the general public interested to attend the event. 'Inventors’ Day' 2026 (Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026) From 5 to 9 Jan 2026 GMT+7, 09:00 to 17:30 daily, at BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, Bang Na, Bangkok. For more details and registration, visithttps://www.inventorsdayregis.com/
