The Thailand Toray Science Foundation (TTSF) held the 31st awards and research grant presentation ceremony on March 7, 2025, at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. TTSF was honored by H.E. General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, who presided over the ceremony. This marks 15 years of his esteemed role in leading the ceremony. H.E. Mr. Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, Professor Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Chairman of TTSF, and Mr. Akihiro Nikkaku, Chairman of Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan), also attended the ceremony.

TTSF’s mission is to promote and support science and technology research for Thailand’s development and progress. To fulfill this goal, the Foundation presented three types of awards:

 

Science and Technology Award : This award is given to individuals or institutions with exceptional contributions to science and technology. This year, the individual award was presented to Professor Dr. Poramate Manoonpong from Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology . The institutional award went to the Hospital Automation Research Center (HAC@FIBO), with Assistant Professor Dr. Supachai Vongbunyong representing the institution. The total value of these two awards is 800,000 Baht.

 

Science and Technology Research Grants : These grants support researchers who are working on projects that benefit the science and technology fields in Thailand. This year, 20 research grants, totaling 4 million Baht, were awarded. The grants were divided as follows: 7 projects in agriculture, 6 in chemistry, 5 in engineering, and 2 in physics.

 

Science Education Award : This award recognizes outstanding science teachers at the junior and senior high school levels for their creativity and achievements in science education. This year, 6 awards totaling 540,000 Baht were presented, with 240,000 Baht awarded to junior high school teachers, 300,000 Baht to senior high school teachers, and 150,000 Baht for supporting science laboratories.

In total, TTSF awarded 5.49 million Baht in 2024. Over the past 31 years, TTSF has presented 63 Science and Technology Awards, 568 research grants, and 264 Science Education Awards, totaling more than 162 million Baht.

 

Professor Dr. Poramate Manoonpong, a representative of the award recipients, expressed his gratitude to TTSF for its continued support of science and technology research personnel in Thailand for over 31 years. He emphasized that the “Toray Awards and Research Grants” are well-known within the research community for their rigorous screening and selection process. Individuals who receive awards or research grants from the TTSF can be assured that their qualities and research are of exceptional quality, contribute significantly to the scientific community, and are deserving of great pride. This research award and grant not only provide researchers with encouragement and motivation to produce high-quality scientific research, but also foster the development of skilled professionals in the science and technology sector, encompassing researchers who are science educators in schools, as well as professors and researchers at research institutes and universities.

 

Professor Dr. Gobwute Rujijanagul and Associate Professor Chamnan Randorn of Chiang Mai University , collaborated on research for the development of a porous material from hydroxyapatite with high antimicrobial properties and mechanical strength. This material aims to reduce the problem of post-bone surgery infections and promote the formation of new bone cells. The materials are coated with natural antimicrobial agents, such as plant extracts, to increase safety and efficiency in use. The research team also developed a composite material combining hydroxyapatite, hydrogen, and collagen, which is suitable for medical use and can adjust the porosity as needed. This work will have a positive effect on the development of materials for bone grafting in the future and is an innovation that promotes the country’s reputation and creates value for the medical industry.

Lecturer Mr. Kiettisak Inrajsadon , Damrongratsongkroh School, Chiangrai, his research on reducing contamination in silk sheets through the control of silkworm excretion behavior has been recognized with Science Education Award. This research was inspired by the development of valuable products that reflect distinctiveness of local wisdom It involves the study and development of methods to enhance the efficiency of silk sheet production by minimizing contamination from silkworm secretions. This advancement also contributes to an increased survival rate of silkworms and improves the quality of silk sheets, demonstrating the practical application of science in daily life and supporting the local economy.

Associate Professor Dr. Chonticha Romyasamit, Walailak University, her research focuses on the isolation and development of probiotics from traditional Thai fermented foods to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce inflammation. It also balances the microflora in the gut and, importantly, is resistant to conditions in the digestive system, such as stomach acid and bile salts. It has also passed safety tests, ensuring that it is safe to consume. The project also includes the development of probiotic hydrogel for wound dressings and functional foods like banana powder with probiotic and probiotic beverages, which could help boost immunity and promote gut health. This research contributes to the local community by adding value to local agricultural products like Sangyod rice.

 

Mr. Akihiro Nikkaku, Chairman of Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan), expressed his congratulations to the awardees and research grant recipients, emphasizing Toray’s continued commitment to supporting the development of science and technology in Thailand through the activities of TTSF. Toray adheres to the concept of “the corporation as a public institution of society, contributing to society through business operation”. Toray has expanded its business in Thailand since 1963, over 62 years, and presently has 9 affiliated companies in the country, making it a key base in the ASEAN region. These businesses cover various sectors, including fibers, films, engineering plastics, and carbon fiber composite materials.

Regarding sustainability, Toray places great emphasis on the BCG Economy (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) concept and the goal of carbon neutrality. The company has been developing environmentally friendly materials such as recycled fibers, recycled films, and engineering plastics for electric vehicles (xEV). Furthermore, it has developed cellulose sugar from bagasse and cassava pulp, agricultural residue of Thailand, to be used as raw materials for fibers and bioplastics, aligning with circular economy principles.

In conclusion, Mr. Nikkaku thanked General Surayud Chulanont for honoring the event as the Chairman and expressed gratitude to all the distinguished guests, the judging committees for each award, and all those involved in organizing the award and research grant ceremony, for their support and dedication in ensuring the ceremony’s successful completion. Furthermore, he conveyed his hope that the award and research grant recipients would demonstrate commitment and dedication in their research and education endeavors, thereby creating even more outstanding works in the future.

 

H.E. Mr. Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, delivered a congratulatory address to the award recipients and highlighted the 138th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Thailand. He emphasized the close relationship between the two nations, citing the presence of over 6,000 Japanese companies operating in Thailand and a resident Japanese population exceeding 60,000. He further elaborated that Japan and Thailand currently enjoy a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,’ with a focus on human resource development, regulatory reform, innovation, the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy, and infrastructure development. H.E. the Ambassador also highlighted the KOSEN project, a Japanese technical college system adapted for implementation in Thailand, aimed at developing highly skilled human resources. This initiative is considered crucial for sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Thailand.”

Before concluding his remarks, he praised the Thailand Toray Science Foundation for playing a crucial role in supporting the development of Thailand through the long-term cultivation of highly capable human resources. He also expressed hope that the relationship between Japan and Thailand will continue to grow in the future.

 

Finally, H.E. General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, gave his remarks. This year’s award ceremony has the research in the field of artificial intelligence and autonomous robots, which is in line with and keeps up with the changing trends in technology and changes in geopolitics, economics, and the new world order. Rapid changes across all facets of the globe necessitate that every nation adapt to transformations in society, economy, and environment. Particularly, science and technology serve as the foundational pillars for economic and social development, as well as the enhancement of quality of life, thereby guiding countries towards sustainable progress in the future. He commended the Toray Foundation for its long-standing efforts to enhance science and technology in Thailand over the past 31 years, especially its role in developing science and technology human resources which is considered an important driving force in national development. General Surayud also congratulated the award recipients including lecturer, researcher, and institution and wished that the efforts and dedication will play an important role in developing the economy and the quality of life of the nation’s people and serve as exemplary for future generation. General Surayudh extended his best wishes for continued prosperity and success to the TTSF and all involved parties. Before closing the ceremony, H.E. General Surayud took a commemorative photo with the awardees.