PSU Faculty of Science Joins ONCB Region 9 and Partners Advancing Drug Research, Innovation and Multicultural Approaches in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces
The Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, in collaboration with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 9, or ONCB Region 9, and partner organizations, organized an academic conference on drugs and substance use in Thailand’s five southern border provinces.
Held from September 14 to 16, 2026, at Crystal Hotel Hat Yai in Songkhla, the conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge, research, and innovation, with the aim of strengthening approaches to drug prevention, treatment, and patient care in ways that are responsive to the region’s multicultural context.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Sunton Wongsiri, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation at Prince of Songkla University. Professor Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dean of the Faculty of Science, delivered welcoming remarks, together with a representative from ONCB Region 9.
Associate Professor Dr. Thammarat Panichayakul, Project Chair and Vice Dean for Planning and Infrastructure, explained that the conference was designed to provide researchers and innovators from the five southern border provinces with an opportunity to share their work and explore how promising innovations could be applied to drug-related services. The program also encouraged the exchange of approaches to patient care that take into account differences in religion, culture, and local ways of life.
Associate Professor Dr. Sunton emphasized that addressing drug-related challenges sustainably requires both knowledge and cooperation across sectors. He also highlighted the importance of recognizing the region’s multicultural and multi-faith communities, including Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian communities, when developing appropriate approaches to patient care.
The conference welcomed more than 140 participants, including academics, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, government agencies, and network partners. Activities included academic discussions, research presentations, and a study visit to the Reborn Drug Rehabilitation Center in Singhanakhon District, Songkhla, helping connect academic knowledge with practical experience.
Through this collaboration, PSU and its partners aim to strengthen the use of research, innovation, and culturally informed approaches in addressing drug and substance-related challenges, while building stronger networks to support safer and more sustainable communities.