Deputy PM highlights local herbs for wellness economy during PSU visit
Prince of Songkla University (PSU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of the University, together with the executive team, welcomed Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and his delegation during their visit to monitor the progress of commercial development projects and inspect the Southern Industrial Estate, including the GMP-certified herbal extract manufacturing facility producing standardized extracts for medical and food applications. The delegation was joined by Mr. Jirawat Maneechot, Vice Governor of Songkhla Province, along with representatives from government agencies, researchers, and community leaders, who presented the outcomes of ongoing initiatives at the Southern Industrial Estate in Songkhla Province on June 7, 2026.
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat stated that the Government and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation are committed to promoting Southern Thailand as a national hub for the wellness economy and health tourism. This vision encompasses healthcare, food, agriculture, tourism, and marine resource conservation, with science, research, and innovation serving as key drivers in enhancing the quality of products and services and creating added value from local resources and regional identities.
He further noted that advancing the wellness economy requires close collaboration among higher education institutions, researchers, and healthcare professionals to develop robust scientific knowledge and internationally recognized research standards. Such efforts will strengthen the credibility of Thai products and services while contributing to sustainable improvements in people's quality of life. With its abundant natural resources, tourism potential, and strong network of higher education institutions, Southern Thailand is well positioned to foster a knowledge-based and high-value economy.
Prof. Dr. Sompong Klaynongsruang, Director of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), remarked that the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Fund has supported the application of knowledge, technology, and innovation to enhance coastal fisheries, add value to local resources, and restore natural ecosystems. These efforts have helped create employment opportunities, generate income, and strengthen local communities in economic, social, and grassroots development dimensions.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, emphasized that the University remains committed to supporting MHESI policies through research and innovation, technology transfer, and collaboration with private enterprises and community-based businesses. Particular emphasis has been placed on enhancing the value of key economic crops in Southern Thailand, especially medicinal herbs, natural rubber, and oil palm. The University’s GMP-certified extraction facility will serve as an important mechanism for transforming local raw materials into internationally competitive products for the medical and food industries. In addition, PSU aims to support MSMEs in improving production standards and expanding export opportunities for Thai herbal extracts in a sustainable manner.
The Southern Industrial Estate in Songkhla Province is among the flagship projects supported by the Science, Research and Innovation Fund through the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) to strengthen Thailand’s herbal industry. The initiative includes the establishment of a GMP-standard pilot plant capable of extracting active compounds from medicinal plants for medical, food, and commercial applications. The project is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs and create new opportunities in international markets.