The Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) hosted a Dinner Talk under the theme “Igniting Thailand’s GDP through the STI Fund.” The event was presided over by H.E. Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who underscored the critical role of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Fund in boosting Thailand’s global competitiveness and driving long-term, sustainable economic growth.

The event aimed to demonstrate how research outcomes supported by the STI Fund can help revitalize the Thai economy, while also raising public awareness of the vital role research and innovation play in national development. It further served as a platform to accelerate the implementation of policies that strengthen the country’s innovation capacity.

Minister Supamas emphasized that despite global economic volatility and environmental challenges, Thailand still holds significant growth potential through the effective use of STI. She cited examples such as sensor and IoT technologies for smart agriculture, the creation of new industries and value-added products, the development of specialized human capital, and the promotion of public–private partnerships to drive investment and real-world application of research outcomes.

“The Ministry will make every effort to support budgeting and infrastructure for research and development, and to foster an ecosystem where innovation can be effectively deployed. I am confident that the STI Fund will become a pivotal mechanism, empowering Thailand to thrive globally while ensuring a resilient and sustainable economy,” Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi.

Professor Dr. Sirirerk Songsivilai, MD, Chairman of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee, noted that recent U.S. trade policies such as those introduced during the Trump administration have challenged Thai exports, but also compelled Thailand to adapt and reposition itself strategically to seize new opportunities. He stressed the urgent need for the STI Fund to serve as a new economic engine capable of lifting Thailand’s GDP and helping the country navigate global uncertainties with resilience.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Sompong Klaiyananwasuang, Director of TSRI, highlighted the STI Fund’s role as a strategic tool to strengthen Thailand’s research and innovation ecosystem. She underscored the country’s ongoing transition toward an innovation driven economy, particularly the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating development across sectors from education and agriculture to healthcare, manufacturing, and services.

“AI holds the key to unlocking Thailand’s economic potential in the digital age. To realize this vision, cross-sectoral collaboration is essential. TSRI stands ready to serve as a national platform linking academia with real-world applications, ensuring that research delivers tangible and measurable impact,” Professor Dr. Sompong Klaiyananwasuang.

For fiscal year 2025, the STI Fund has been allocated THB 19.251 billion, reflecting a 1.14% increase from the previous year, with expectations of continued growth in the years ahead.

The Dinner Talk also featured a distinguished speakers who offered expert insights into the role of research and innovation in driving economic progress.

Mr. Kris Chantanotoke, Chairman of the TSRI Board and CEO of SCB, delivered a keynote address titled “The Role of Technology and Innovation in Advancing the Thai Economy.”

Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, member of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee and President of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), presented policy directions for sustainable economic development.

Additionally, Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank and former Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, spoke on “Public–Private Investment: The Key to Thai GDP Growth.”

This forum reaffirmed the strategic vision of MHESI and TSRI in positioning science, technology, and innovation as foundational pillars for transforming Thailand into a knowledge-based and sustainable economy.

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