Songkhla: Yotsanun is driving research and innovation to elevate local herbal medicine into a high-value, international health business. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation visited Songkhla to monitor the progress of the Southern Industrial Estate and to promote research and innovation aimed at elevating local herbs into high-value, international health businesses.
According to Thai News Agency, at the Southern Industrial Estate in Songkhla Province, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), along with his delegation, visited the area to monitor the progress of commercial development and inspect the Southern Industrial Estate, including a factory producing standardized herbal extracts for medical and food industries, which has received GMP certification. Mr. Jirawat Maneechot, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, along with agency executives, researchers, and community leaders, welcomed the delegation and presented the operational results.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat stated that the government and MHESI have a policy to promote the southern region as the country's hub for the wellness economy and health tourism. This encompasses medicine, food, agriculture, tourism, and marine resource conservation, with the aim of using science, research, and innovation as key mechanisms to upgrade the quality of products and services, and create added value from the region's resources and unique identity.
The Deputy Prime Minister further stated that driving the health economy requires collaboration from higher education institutions, researchers, and medical personnel to develop in-depth knowledge and high-standard research. This aims to build credibility for Thai products and services while sustainably improving the quality of life for the people. The southern region is well-positioned with natural resources, tourism potential, and a strong network of higher education institutions, which can be leveraged to develop a knowledge-based and high-value economy in a tangible way.
Professor Dr. Sompong Khlaynongsuang, Director of the Office of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Fund has supported the application of knowledge, technology, and innovation to upgrade the coastal fishing industry, increase the value of local resources, and restore natural resources. This aims to create jobs, generate income, and strengthen communities in the area in a tangible way, encompassing economic, social, and grassroots community development dimensions.
The Southern Industrial Estate in Songkhla Province is considered a pilot project supported by funding from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) through the National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. This project aims to develop the Thai herbal industry by establishing a pilot plant with GMP standards for the production of active compounds from medicinal plants for medical, food, and commercial use. This will enhance the competitiveness and create market opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs internationally.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Niwat Kaewpradab, President of Prince of Songkla University, stated that the university is ready to support the policies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) through research development, technology transfer, and collaboration with the private sector and community enterprises. This aims to add value to key economic crops in the South, particularly herbs, rubber, and oil palm. The university will utilize its GMP-certified extraction plant as a crucial mechanism to upgrade local raw materials to international standards in the medical and food industries. Furthermore, it will promote MSMEs to develop production standards and expand export markets for Thai herbal extracts sustainably in the future.