PSU welcomes ARDA, showcases four medical research projects
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) welcomed executives from the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization), or ARDA, for “ARDA Agri Trek: From Research to Real-World Impact.” The initiative reflects ARDA’s efforts to expand its role from a research funding agency to a driver of innovation that helps address national challenges by translating knowledge from the laboratory into practical applications. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ponsit Sathapondecha, Deputy Director of the Research and Development Office for Science and Technology, delivered the welcoming remarks and presented the university’s research capabilities under the concept of advancing Thailand’s biological resources towards high-value medical innovations and health products. University personnel, members of the media, and other stakeholders also attended the event, held at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, on 9 July 2026.
Dr. Taweesak Thanadechopol, Director of ARDA, said that southern Thailand is currently facing growing challenges from climate change, including seawater intrusion, increasing salinity in soil and water resources, and alternating periods of drought and flooding. These challenges have affected key agricultural areas, particularly the Songkhla Lake Basin. At the same time, southern Thailand is rich in biological resources with significant potential, including medicinal plants, rubber, oil palm, and other economic crops. With further development through science, research, and innovation, these resources can be transformed into high-value products, strengthen competitiveness, and contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy.
As part of the event, ARDA presented an integrated portfolio of research initiatives covering the creation of added value from biological resources, technologies for addressing climate change, and the use of artificial intelligence to support decision-making by farmers and water management agencies. The initiatives were grouped into three key areas: health economy innovation, salt-tolerant rice innovation, and an AI-based system for forecasting saltwater intrusion. Together, these initiatives aim to advance the biological resources of southern Thailand towards a high-value health economy.
For the event, PSU selected four ARDA-supported research projects for presentation under the theme “Advancing Thai Medicinal Plants towards High-Value Medical Innovation.” The projects demonstrate the university’s research capabilities across the entire development pathway, from the discovery of active compounds and prototype development to clinical studies and potential commercial applications.
1. A Study of Crude Black Pepper Extract as a Dietary Supplement and Its Potential Applications: Genotoxicity Assessment and Phase I Clinical Trial, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Potchanapond Graidist of the Faculty of Medicine. The research focuses on establishing the safety of black pepper extract and generating evidence to support its potential use in health and medical products.
2. Development of Medical-Grade Kratom Extract, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Somchai Sriwiriyajan of the Faculty of Science. The project focuses on developing standardized kratom extracts to support the development of safe and high-quality medical products.
3. Preparation and Characterization of Film-Coated Kratom Tablets and Stability Testing under Accelerated and Long-Term Storage Conditions, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Juraithip Wungsintaweekul of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The research builds upon previous kratom studies to develop a standardized dosage form with potential for future applications.
4. Clinical Evaluation of Chitosan Hydrogel Containing Wood Vinegar Extract Produced from Oil Palm Shells for Chronic Wound Healing, led by Prof. Dr. Damrongsak Faroongsarng of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The project focuses on adding value to agricultural by-products by developing an innovative medical product for patients with chronic wounds.
Together, these four projects reflect the role of Prince of Songkla University in advancing agricultural and biological research towards medical innovation, creating greater value from Thailand’s resources, and transferring research and technology into practical applications. These efforts aim to contribute to a better quality of life for the public while strengthening the country’s future competitiveness.