Thailand government promotes agricultural innovation and semiconductor workforce development

The Thai government is advancing several initiatives to integrate research and innovation into the agricultural and technology sectors. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, has introduced seven agricultural innovations in Kamphaeng Phet province. These include customized organic-chemical fertilizers that can reduce costs by up to 60%, disease-free cassava seedlings, and weather-resistant dwarf banana varieties.

To support future industries, the government has set a target to develop 10,000 semiconductor specialists within the next five years through a partnership between MHESI and the Ministry of Labour. Educational initiatives such as the Skill Bridge program and a Credit Bank system are also being promoted to facilitate lifelong learning and AI skill development.

Additionally, research led by the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA) and Mahidol University has successfully transformed young leaves from Jasmine Rice 105 into tea products. This project in Roi Et province allows farmers to harvest young leaves up to three times per cycle, increasing yields per rai by over 80% and providing supplemental income of approximately 1,500–2,000 baht per rai.