"The Power of Microbes, Transforming Thailand's Future" Showcases Microbiome Potential to Advance One Health Globally

NRCT hosts "The Power of Microbes, Transforming Thailand's Future," showcasing the potential of the microbiome to advance One Health on the global stage. On 15 August 2025, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), held a panel discussion titled "The Power of Microbes, Transforming Thailand's Future: One Health for Sustainable Living through the Microbiome" in collaboration with the Hub of Talents in Microbiome Medicine and Microbial Technology for One Health. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand, assigned Ms. Sukanya Amin, Director of the Research-Driven Policy Group, to deliver the welcome address at the discussion, which took place as part of the MHESI Fair: SCI POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND, a showcase promoting the use of knowledge, research and innovation from the higher education, science, research and innovation sector to drive the Thai economy sustainably through the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, at Meeting Room MR210CD, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Ms. Sukanya Amin, Director of the Research-Driven Policy Group, said that NRCT is committed to promoting collaboration among higher education institutions, research institutes, and the public and private sectors through the exchange of resources, knowledge and experience, in order to develop high-quality research, activities and academic services both in Thailand and abroad. This helps to build on research and innovation outcomes, transfer knowledge, and strengthen the skills of research personnel to make them more competitive. The discussion brought together distinguished experts from four fields: 1) health sciences and medicine, 2) food and drugs, 3) medical biotechnology, and 4) agriculture and the environment. It served as an academic platform for the microbiome hub to foster collaboration, develop innovation and harness advances in microbiology, which lie at the heart of modern medicine in building a modern and precise healthcare system to elevate Thailand and ASEAN. The event also featured distinguished experts who shared their knowledge in panel discussions on the following topics:

• Panel discussion: "Good Gut, Good Life: Transforming Thai Health through the Microbiome," featuring Assoc. Prof. Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul, M.D., Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sivamoke Dissook, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Faculty of Medicine and National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University
• Panel discussion: "One Health: When People, Animals and the Environment Are Connected through Microbes," featuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wijitra Luang-In, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanthida Kusonmano, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, moderated by Dr. Wanchat Sirisan, Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University
• Panel discussion: "The Future of Medicine through Microbial and Microbiome Science," featuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chonnikant Visuthranukul, M.D., Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Rossarin Tansawat, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul, M.D., pediatric nutrition specialist, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
• Panel discussion: "Microbial Products on the Market and in Medicine: Proven or Hype?" featuring Ms. Nitchaporn Chongudomroek, CEO of Mod Gut Co., Ltd.; Dr. Pinitpon Prombutara, Director of Operations, Mod Gut Co., Ltd.; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pennapa Chonpathompikunlert, Biodiversity Research Centre, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, moderated by Dr. Worarat Kruasuwan, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University The discussions provided another platform for experts from many fields to exchange knowledge and experience on the role and importance of the microbiome and microbes for the health of people, animals and the environment. Topics included trends and opportunities in modern medicine, the application of microbial research, and how to assess the credibility of products on the market, with the aim of fostering accurate understanding, stimulating academic collaboration, and paving the way for innovation and higher-quality health systems in Thailand and internationally. The MHESI Fair: SCI POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND features more than 130 conferences, lectures, panel discussions and workshops on a wide range of topics, demonstrating the commitment and capabilities of MHESI agencies in strengthening multidisciplinary expertise across all fields in response to global change and trends. "MHESI Fair: sparking new dreams and inspiring them to become reality." The fair is open to visitors now through 17 August 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.