Tag: Thailand

 Dr. Kanyarat Nimtrakool, a researcher at the Transportation Institute of Chulalongkorn University, has been awarded the 2026 Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar (USAS) Program grant to conduct research in the United States. Her project will focus on Sustainable Urban Logistics, with the goal of advancing knowledge in transportation management and supporting logistics policymaking in Thailand and the ASEAN region.

The research project aims to examine urban logistics management models through case studies from various locations while analyzing the factors that influence the development of urban freight transportation systems. The findings will be synthesized into policy recommendations for both public and private sector stakeholders to promote urban logistics systems that are efficient, environmentally friendly, and aligned with sustainable development goals.

Dr. Kanyarat explained that her inspiration for applying for the Fulbright scholarship stemmed from her previous research experience and fieldwork on urban logistics in both Europe and Thailand. During those projects, she established connections with a strong network of researchers in the United States working in the same field. She was motivated to enhance her research skills, expand her knowledge, and collaborate with senior researchers and research networks in the U.S., leading her to apply for the Fulbright program.

“Research on sustainable urban logistics involves studying the current state of logistics in urban areas, the challenges of logistics management, identifying strengths and weaknesses across different dimensions and locations, and developing policy recommendations for public and private stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to extract lessons that can help promote sustainable urban logistics,” Dr. Kanyarat explained.

Regarding her preparation for the scholarship application, Dr. Kanyarat said she began by contacting a prospective faculty advisor in the United States to jointly develop the research proposal before submitting her application. She also carefully studied the application requirements, prepared for the English language proficiency requirements, sought advice from colleagues and former Fulbright scholars, and thoroughly discussed research ideas with her U.S. advisor to ensure a clear mutual understanding of the research direction before entering the interview process with confidence.

She added that the key to succeeding in the scholarship interview is to have a deep understanding of one’s own research.

“You need to clearly explain your research, demonstrate the connection between your home institution and the host university in the United States, and show your potential to apply the knowledge gained for broader societal benefits. Truly understanding your research—its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes—enables you to answer questions confidently and communicate your ideas effectively.”

Dr. Kanyarat emphasized that her work at Chulalongkorn University played a significant role in helping her secure the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar (USAS) award. She received strong support and guidance from Professor Dr. Saksith Chalermpong, Director of the Transportation Institute, and Associate Professor Dr. Apiwat Ratanawaraha, Deputy Director for Academic Affairs. She also benefited from valuable advice from Dr. Lisa Kenney, a former Fulbright scholar from the United States to Thailand. 

In closing, Dr. Kanyarat noted that Chulalongkorn University places great importance on developing researchers who generate knowledge that benefits the economy, society, and the environment at both national and international levels. This vision aligns closely with the Fulbright Program’s mission of empowering scholars to return home and contribute to their countries through their expertise.

She concluded with a vital message for faculty members, researchers, and students: “Anything is possible if we begin.”

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/419488/

The Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, has been honored with the RDU Excellence Awards 2026 in the RDU Education Excellence category, receiving the Outstanding Award as a model educational institution for excellence in teaching Rational Drug Use (RDU). The award was presented during the RDU Knowledge Fair 2026, a national conference held on July 9, 2026, at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana.

Professor Dr. Kaywalee Chatdarong, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, accepted the award on behalf of the faculty from Mr. Pattana Promphat, Deputy Minister of Public Health.

This recognition reflects the faculty’s strong commitment to systematically integrating Rational Drug Use (RDU) into its curriculum and teaching. By combining expertise in pharmacology, veterinary clinical practice, and evidence-based medicine, the faculty aims to produce veterinarians who possess the knowledge, professional competence, ethics, and integrity to prescribe and use medications effectively, safely, and responsibly.

The program also aligns with the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Through promoting appropriate medication use, reducing unnecessary drug use, and supporting sustainable healthcare practices, the faculty contributes to strengthening Thailand’s healthcare system.

This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of the faculty members and staff of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, led by Associate Professor Dr. Chenphop Sawangmake, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Chair of the faculty’s committee on Rational Drug Use and Medical Devices. Together, the committee has continuously advanced the development of RDU-focused education and training.

The RDU Excellence Awards 2026 reaffirm the Faculty of Veterinary Science’s high standards in veterinary education and its commitment to producing qualified veterinarians who will play a vital role in promoting rational drug use and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s healthcare system.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418426/

Students from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School (Satit Chula), competing as the CUD Smart Bold Fit Team, won the First Prize at the Sport Science Innovation Contest 2026, organized by the Sports Science Bureau, Department of Physical Education, on July 9, 2026, at Nimibutr Stadium, National Stadium, Bangkok.

The CUD Smart Bold Fit Team’s cutting-edge innovation, titled “Ecosystem-Based Fitness Innovation,” transforms the school environment into a space that actively promotes physical activity and healthy living. The system integrates sports science with digital monitoring technologies, consisting of three main components: Exercise Stations, AI Motion Analysis, and Data & Gamification Engine. The aim of this innovation is to motivate students to exercise while enabling continuous evaluation of physical fitness at both the individual and school levels.

BOLD FIT ECOSYSTEM: “Ecosystem-Based Fitness Innovation” 

Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School

Members:

Mr. Thipok Tangsiripat

Mr. Teerapat Srijit

Miss Jirachaya Hemaranroj

Mr. Tin Toojinda

Mr. Panthach Toojinda 

Mr. Sethapong Mahattanakul

Mr. Pattarapol Wanichwatana

Mr. Thawin Uttamote

Advisor: Ajarn Hanafee Yeesunsong

The Sport Science Innovation Contest 2026 was organized to provide a platform for young people, university students, and the general public with an interest and talent in sports science to showcase their creativity and innovation. The competition also aims to promote the development and dissemination of new inventions, research, and ideas in sports science and sports technology. The goal is also for these innovations to be further developed and applied in practical settings to benefit the Department of Physical Education’s target groups, including athletes, sports professionals, and the general public.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418466/

On Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn made a private royal visit to meet Her Royal Highness Anne, The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, sister of His Majesty King Charles III, at Room 114 of Maha Chulalongkorn Building, Chulalongkorn University. 

The meeting took place during The Princess Royal’s visit to Chulalongkorn University to present fellowships and awards for women in science and technology. The event was jointly hosted by Chulalongkorn University and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

Upon arriving at Maha Chulalongkorn Building, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid floral garlands before the royal portraits of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in tribute before proceeding to Room 112, where she awaited the arrival of The Princess Royal.

Earlier, at 10:40 a.m., the Princess Royal arrived at Chulalongkorn University near Biology Building 1 of the Faculty of Science. She was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council; Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; members of the university administration; and Dr. Krisada Kritayakirana, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Mobility Tech Co., Ltd., operator of the MuvMi electric tuk-tuk service. Following the welcoming ceremony, Princess Royal toured the university campus aboard an electric three-wheeled vehicle.

At 11:10 a.m., The Princess Royal arrived at the Maha Chulalongkorn Building, where she was received by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai; Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat; senior university administrators; representatives from the Faculty of Science; and officials from the British Embassy in Thailand.

The Princess Royal laid floral garlands before the royal portraits of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh in the building’s main hall before proceeding to Room 114, where she held a private audience with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. On this occasion, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented a commemorative gift to The Princess Royal before returning.

At 11:20 a.m., The Princess Royal visited an exhibition showcasing scientific, technological, and innovative achievements by Thai women researchers and innovators in Room 103/2 of the Maha Chulalongkorn Building. She was briefed by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat; Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul; Professor Dr. Pranut Potiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science; and Associate Professor Dr. Intouch Hongrattanawijit, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Science.

The exhibition highlighted the capabilities of Thai women researchers and innovators whose work has been supported through United Kingdom programs. It featured projects applying scientific and technological knowledge to address major societal challenges in environmental sustainability, agriculture, education, healthcare, and biodiversity.

During the visit, the Princess Royal granted audiences to several women innovators supported by UK programs, including:

·       Dr. Pongkarn Chakthranont, National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), who presented an electrochemical reactor prototype for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) that converts captured carbon into renewable energy.

·       Professor Dr. Alisa Vangnai, Chief Technology Officer of Biome Co., Ltd., a spin-off company from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science, who presented engineered enzymes designed to restore soil quality and remove pesticide residues from agricultural land.

·       Associate Professor Dr. Panrasee Ritthipravat, founder of Floaino, an educational platform that teaches artificial intelligence to teachers and students, demonstrates interactive AI learning activities.

·       Assistant Professor Dr. Somrudee Deepaisarn of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, who presented AI applications supporting osteoporosis screening and diagnosis, together with a privacy-focused virtual hospital platform.

·       Dr. Kanuengnit Wayo of Walailak University, who presented research on agricultural landscapes supporting stingless bee communities, along with honey products from southern Thailand.

Following the exhibition, The Princess Royal proceeded to Room 105 of the Maha Chulalongkorn Building. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat presented the objectives of the event and reported on scientific and technological cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Princess Royal then delivered the opening address and presented one fellowship for women in science and technology and two awards recognizing outstanding women in science and technology. The fellowship recipient and award recipients subsequently delivered speeches.

After the presentation ceremony concluded, The Princess Royal signed the university’s guest book in the main hall of the Maha Chulalongkorn Building before departing.

The Princess Royal visited Thailand together with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, from July 16-17, 2026, to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the British and Thai royal families. This marked her fourth official visit to Thailand, following previous visits in 1972, 1979, and 1987.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418436/

Chulalongkorn University, through the CU Innovation Hub, has signed a licensing agreement with Greater Pharma Manufacturing Co., Ltd. to transfer probiotic technology developed from indigenous Thai microbial strains. The technology will be commercialized as health products under the Prometa brand. This marks another significant step in bringing Thai research from the laboratory to the marketplace while strengthening Thailand’s health industry through innovations developed by Thai researchers.

The signing ceremony took place on July 16, 2026, at the Chamchuri Square Building, Chulalongkorn University. The agreement was signed in the presence of Prof. Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University; Prof. Dr. Somying Tumwasorn, Principal Investigator; and Mr. Chernporn Tengamnuay, Managing Director of Greater Pharma Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

The transferred technology is a multi-strain probiotic formulation consisting of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L34, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L45, and Bifidobacterium bifidum NB42. These indigenous Thai microbial strains were selected and developed through research at Chulalongkorn University. The formulation is designed to promote a healthy gut microbiome and has potential applications in supporting metabolic health, including chronic kidney disease, overweight and obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver disease.

Preclinical studies have shown that probiotic formulation can reduce fat accumulation, lower blood glucose and lipid levels, and decrease inflammation associated with metabolic disorders in animal models.

Prof. Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, stated, “Chulalongkorn University is committed to translating research into real-world applications through collaboration with the private sector. We focus on developing probiotic products supported by strong scientific evidence and clinically credible outcomes. This innovation has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, which are important because chronic inflammation contributes to many serious diseases. By helping reduce inflammation, these probiotics may improve patient health. This collaboration reflects the university’s role in creating research with practical value, while the private sector plays a vital role in bringing these innovations to consumers. Integrating scientific research with commercial expertise provides a model for systematically improving quality of life through evidence-based innovation.”

Prof. Dr. Somying Tumwasorn, the project’s principal investigator, explained, “This research utilizes three probiotic strains—Lactobacillus casei L34, Lactobacillus paracasei L45, and Bifidobacterium NB42. Genetic sequencing has confirmed that these are unique strains not found elsewhere in the world, and they meet Thai FDA safety standards. Because these microorganisms were isolated from Thai individuals, they are particularly well adapted to the physiology and diet of Thai people. For example, strain L34 shows greater tolerance to capsaicin (the active compound in chili peppers) than imported commercial strains. It also helps reduce inflammation, strengthens the intestinal barrier by preventing leaky gut, blocks toxins from entering the bloodstream, and supports the balance of the gut microbiota.”

Mr. Chernporn Tengamnuay, Managing Director of Greater Pharma Manufacturing Co., Ltd., commented: “This collaboration between academia and industry represents the successful translation of research into commercial products while reducing Thailand’s reliance on imported probiotic strains. Our focus is on developing Thai probiotic strains specifically suited to the health needs of Thai people. The primary goal of this innovation is to reduce inflammation in patients with kidney disease, establishing a new standard for treatment backed by credible scientific evidence. Beyond advancing Thailand’s biotechnology capabilities, this project will also provide the public with greater access to high-quality health supplements that address genuine medical needs in a sustainable way.”

This partnership highlights the power of collaboration between universities and the private sector in transforming research into commercial applications. By leveraging effective intellectual property management, the initiative creates added value from academic research and supports the development of innovative products that address societal needs, strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness, and promote the sustainable growth of the country’s innovation-driven economy.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418413/

To mark World Environment Day 2026 on June 5, 2026, the Chula Zero Waste initiative, led by the Office of Physical Resource Management, Chulalongkorn University, invited young volunteers to participate in the Trash Ranger & Brand Audit activity. Participants collected litter along Phaya Thai Road, focusing on waste that had been overlooked by street cleaners because it was hidden in bushes both inside and outside the Chulalongkorn University campus. The activity aimed to reduce the risk of this litter being washed into drains and waterways, where it could place additional burdens on the environment and harm wildlife.

After collecting the litter, participants worked together to sort it into different categories so that the waste could be transformed into resources, with each type sent to the most appropriate recycling or disposal stream. Most of the items collected were everyday waste commonly found in public spaces, including plastic water bottles, beer bottles, energy drink bottles, bottle caps, milk cartons, drinking straws, beverage cans, cigarette packs, cigarette butts, single-use containers, snack and candy wrappers, plastic bags, and plastic packaging. Among all the waste collected, the most difficult item to handle was plastic water bottles that still contained urine inside.

One of the participating Grade 9 students offered a thoughtful reflection on the waste collected: “The wide variety of litter we found, from food and drink packaging to cigarette packs, cigarette butts, and even water bottles filled with urine, may have come from people who live on this street or from people who were in such a hurry and had no access to a restroom that they resorted to using a bottle. We can look at this issue from many perspectives, such as a lack of awareness about the consequences of littering or simply carelessness. It also raises ethical questions about disposing of waste properly. Caring for the environment is important. However, for people who are struggling just to make ends meet, environmental responsibility may seem like a luxury that feels removed from them when earning enough money to survive is already a challenge.”

The Chula Zero Waste Project is committed to organizing activities like this on an ongoing basis to encourage young people and university students to become more aware of environmental issues and inspire them to create change, from themselves to society at large. Those interested in participating can follow the project on all of its social media channels for updates on upcoming activities.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/418480/

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, welcomed H.E. Mr. Hari Prabowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand, Head of Mission, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), together with delegates from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Thailand. The meeting took place on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the reception room on the second floor of the Chamchuri 4 Building.

During the visit, the two parties discussed ways to strengthen educational and cultural cooperation between Chulalongkorn University and higher education institutions in the Republic of Indonesia. They also exchanged views on issues and potential areas for future collaboration, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing academic partnerships and promoting joint activities between Chulalongkorn University and its partner institutions in Indonesia.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/417948/

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, welcomed Professor Ji-Beom Yoo, President of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Republic of Korea, and his delegation during their visit to Chulalongkorn University. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities to expand academic collaboration, with particular emphasis on joint research and faculty exchange. The discussion took place on July 6, 2026, at the reception room on the 2nd floor of the Chamchuri 4 Building.

Also participating in the meeting were Associate Professor Dr. Palanee Ammaranond, Vice President; Professor Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Vice President; Associate Professor Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; and representatives from the Faculty of Engineering.

The discussion aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two universities through faculty exchange and collaborative research projects, particularly in the fields of nanotechnology and engineering. Both institutions also explored ways to leverage their respective research strengths to advance innovation and address emerging global challenges.

During the meeting, the SKKU delegation introduced the SKKU Advanced Institute of Nano Technology (SAINT), presenting its research capabilities and achievements in nanotechnology and engineering.

Following the discussions, both universities reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening academic ties and expanding research collaboration through continued dialogue and the development of future joint initiatives.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/417909/