Tag: Thammasat University

The “Mali-Sorn” application (https://farminsure.infuse.co.th/) focuses on building a cloud-based service software platform with an open interface for farmers as well as being an application service provider with special objectives in agricultural crop insurance with the inclusion of plot position information satellite image monitoring and photos from mobile phones, and also the use of advanced artificial intelligence technology to assist in image processing to specify the type and amount of damage of each agricultural plot.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teerayuth Horanon, Head of the “Mali-Sorn” project, said that in order to solve this problem, we plan to implement the use of AI and IoT technology in the form of sensors together with the analysis of remote sensing data in the modeling of agricultural processes on 5G networks in agricultural areas that were developed as part of the project. Primarily, we are considering image analysis from drone data and robot cameras to make the results meaningful and readable to farmers. When all the information is put together, we will gain insights into the characteristics of farmland as never before.

Farmers will be able to interact with the AI and ask questions. For example, track soil moisture readings and current weather conditions with correlation to crop diseases, the AI will be able to provide recommendations for action and display the results of different scenarios. A dashboard showing the current farmland and soil conditions will be displayed on your mobile or tablet. When clicking on a specific area, farmers will be provided with information on issues such as water shortages as well as advice on the best solution to deal with such issues.

Currently, “Mali-Sorn” has been in use for three years, and is able to help thousands of farmers who have been facing disaster but are not in disaster-declared areas. This reduces the process and shortens the time for reporting damage in which the application will be used to collect farmers’ data, pictures of damage from disasters, and the location of disaster sites. It also helps the relevant agencies to be able to review the information and perform comprehensive assistance to disaster-stricken farmers, the application “Mali-Sorn” is available for download both on Android and IOS systems at https://farminsure.infuse.co.th/#Download_App.

GrabSpark Business Plan Contest under the topic “Driving Business Growth with Data in the Post-pandemic Era” is a platform for young people to show their potential and promote the use of business knowledge combined with new ideas in order to drive and foster business growth in the post-Covid era through the “GrabSpark” business plan contest held for the first time this year, the “Grob Grab Grob Grab” team received a plaque of honor with 50,000 Thai baht cash price.

A team of students from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University, consists of Ms. Suchada Charoenkittitham, Ms. Pitchaya Wangpreedalertkul, Ms. Alin Saenchaichana, and Mr. Polawat Pornbenjaphakkul presents a business plan entitled “Wait and Pop, Pick and Drop”, which stands out for its idea of developing new features to further develop GrabMart’s services by using the service information as well as consumer behavior to analyze, study problems, limitations and find new business opportunities that help meet the needs of service users. At the same time, they have come up with a marketing plan that will help Grab’s driver-partners and merchants generate more revenue.

Ms. Suchada Charoenkittitham, a student representative from the Grob Grab Grob Grab team said, “We were all very excited and enjoyed this competition. Unlike other business planning contests, GrabSpark strongly focuses on studying and taking advantage of Big Data as it genuinely reflects the behavior of service usage and affects the business in real-time. It is an opportunity for us to practice and develop our skills in analyzing deeper and more accurate data. It also opened up new approaches from management’s recommendations. This allows us to see the perspective and visualization of the actual work in the Tech Company.

More importantly, joining the GrabSpark contest also made us learn that the concept of ‘creating shared value’ is very important. Businesses cannot grow sustainably if society does not grow along. Businesses cannot only think of profits, but it shall as well take into account the people in the business cycle and has to create positive changes for the wider society. It was a really impressive experience.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapat Wachirayakorn, Lecturer from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University and the manager to the research project on “Developing Thai Farmers toward Smart Farmers (A Case Study of Developing Durian Farmers for Export)” received a research grant supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

This research project consists of various researchers with a wide range of expertise from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapat Wachirayakorn (Research Project Manager), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suphet Jirakajornkul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanit Ruangrungchaikul, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rewat Jaisutthi, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wilawan Chueboon and Professor Dr. Pruk Chutimanukul, with Ms. Piyapong Sonkaew and Ms. Thanatcha Chaida, researchers from the Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University and a researcher from different institution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krirk Piromsopha from Chulalongkorn University, thus bringing expertise in distinct fields to integrate across discripinary to focus on research outcomes that project useful results and allow timely problem solving both academically, economically, socially and policy, especially “durian”, which is the main economic fruit of the country.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapat Wachirayakorn, Lecturer of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University and the research project manager said that the results of this research is under the framework of research on the principle of increasing productivity through innovation and technology. The aim is to develop research and transform them into a knowledge platform that durian farmers can access and use to increase production quality according to prescribed standards, minimize production costs, and reduce labor usage through the adoption of various innovations and integrated technologies to support standards of good agricultural practice. The main focus is on allowing farmers to access the body of knowledge, and solve production problems which enable farmers to develop quality produce that meets international standards in accordance to the GAP standard.

Thammasat University led by the Faculty of Social Administration, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Thammasat Hospital organized meeting to discuss academic cooperation with Mr. Anukool Pidkaew, Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to find ways to provide social services, health services, and develop works for the homeless, beggars and those who face social problems. Regarding the current situation of foster homes under the Ministry of Public Health, there are patients with redundant problems including physical illnesses, disabilities, and with the majority of psychiatric conditions, mainly caused by drug use.

In addition, foster homes lack professionals in many fields such as registered nurses, psychologists, social workers, etc., which led to the discussion of cooperation.

The corporation aims to support target groups throughout 3 phases, tackling straight from the cause, namely the initial phase, proposing a preventive project by focusing on working with family and community, and health promotion for vulnerable groups; the second phase, proposing continuous development of care for vulnerable groups in foster home; and lastly, the third phase, working with local administration in the care of vulnerable groups within family or community.

In this regard, the meeting proposed academic cooperation, such as promoting student internships or working with target groups in shelters, arranging workshops and training to enhance skills of MSDHS officers in the field of social welfare, medical services, nursing, public health, allied health sciences, jointly invent innovations to care for target groups, provide medical treatment and rehabilitation services for target groups, etc.

Asst. Prof. Supawadee Tubklum, Nursing Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University foresaw problems that arise after breast cancer surgery which affect patients both physically and mentally, thus led to the invention of innovative solutions ‘the devices to promote physical rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery’ by which the latest version won a gold medal from the International Innovation Competition “XXV Moscow International Inventions and Innovative Technologies Salon (ARCHIMEDES-2022)”, the largest international innovation exhibition in Eastern Europe. The innovation are in the process of authorizing grant protection from the Department of Intellectual Property.

Asst. Prof. Supawadee said that these devices, in addition to supporting arm physical therapy after surgery, promoting self-help, reducing postoperative complications such as frozen shoulders and reducing inflammation, they also increasing a sense of self-worth through the patient’s ability to support themselves in their daily lives. The innovation consists of 3 inventions:

1. Elastic bandage to restore movement of the arms and shoulder joints with a sensor to visualize the degree of the arm movement.

2. Bathroom routines self-help promotion bathrobe.

3. Waterproof bag for blood and lymphatic drainage bottles (Hands-free design)

All three devices help to systematically rehabilitate patients’ body after surgery, promote learning readiness and ability to exercise continuous arm and shoulder physical therapy and display visual feedback of the progression of arm movement degree, rejuvenate the body, prevent post-surgery complications along with mental rehabilitation to provide the patient a sense of self-worth, promote confidence in conducting various activities on their own and not feeling like having to rely on others’ assistance. The patients will have a state of mind that is ready to receive treatment consequently.

Thammasat University, Lampang Campus led by Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phipop Udon, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supreeya Kaewla-iad, Vice Rector for Lampang Campus Administration and Law along with the university administrators, faculty administrators, and faculty members, jointly discussed with the heads of government agencies, heads of both public and private agencies to find ways to develop academic cooperation between Thammasat University, Lampang Campus, government, and private agencies in order to join in the integration of knowledge and resources in various fields between government agencies and the private sector by building a network of partners to exchange academic knowledge which covers both research, academic activities, academic service to society collaboration on issues of interest according to the identity and prominence of the organization as well as cooperation in other fields that will benefit agencies, communities and society in a sustainable way.

In addition, Thammasat University and Lampang Provincial Administrative Organization also agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding for collaboration in academic activities such as joint research, special lectures and international academic conferences, promote academic exchanges and cooperation that are beneficial to both sides. This memorandum of understanding will serve as a framework for cooperation to facilitate further discussion of specific project cooperation.

As Thammasat University, Lampang Campus is part of Lampang Province and the policy of the university focuses on developing people’s potential to be the driving force of the country’s economy. Thammasat University has designed the curriculum in parallel with the emphasis on the strengths of Lampang Province to strengthen people in the area and Lampang Province which will impact Thailand in the end. Thammasat University, Lampang Campus will be an important mechanism for human potential development to be the driving force of the country’s economy along with the development of local communities. This is a great way to promote Thailand’s economic development in the future.

Thammasat Hospital achieved 200 knee and hip replacement surgery in 150 poor, elderly patients, while promoting its leadership in knee-hip joint replacement surgery with the plan to open “Thammasat Joint Replacement Center” which is considered an accumulation of surgical innovations and the introduction of robotic arm technology to assist in knee replacement surgery for the first time in a government hospital in Thailand. This will improve the accuracy of joint positioning and reduce injuries to surrounding tissues, as well as enhancing the quality of knee replacement surgery to be of international standard. It is expected that the center will be able to open in late June of the year 2022.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nattapon Thammachot, Assistant Director of Physical Development, Thammasat Hospital said that throughout the “Join replacement for poor patients volunteering” reminds us that there are a large number of elderly patients in our country that still lack access to knee and hip replacement. This reflects the demographic structure of the country that is entering an aging society. This project has been initiated since the 85th anniversary of the founding of Thammasat University in 2019. This arose from the ideas of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pharuehas Tor-Udom, Director of the Hospital and Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University and working closely with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) with the aim of helping patients with knee and hip dysplasia in returning to have a better quality of life, and can assist themselves to live a happier life, and reduce the burden on the family. In addition, this also encourages medical personnel to have the opportunity to use their abilities to support society by joining as volunteers to help perform surgery outside office hours. This project has been ongoing for three years and within the first two years we made 100 replacements per year, but this year we have done 200 replacements in just four months from December 2021 to March 2022.

“Thammasat Joint Replacement Center” is one of the new special services of Thammasat Hospital as a one-stop service in order to provide convenience in receiving services and to focus on the best quality of treatment by a team of doctors who are specialized in patient care throughout the treatment pathway. This is to provide patients with a better treatment experience and receive a new, high-quality, long-lasting knee replacement according to the vision of Hospital 4.0 with modern service systems and innovative pain relief medical treatment, new surgical techniques with higher accuracy, such as the introduction of robotic arm technology to assist in such surgery,” concluded Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattapon.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dusit Athinuwat, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University received a grant from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) for research and development on the production of microorganism-infused manure pellets for rice stubble and straw in rice field decomposition to reduce the burning of rice straw and rice stubble in the farmer community.

Later, continued to receive funding in conveying the production technology and the use of manure to farmers. The project was completed in early 2022 by operating in 10 provinces under cooperation with Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in 6 northeastern provinces, namely; Udon Thani, Roi Et, Buriram (2 areas), Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Amnat Charoen and the central region, namely; Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Nayok, the eastern Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University region in Chonburi Province. In every area, there will be pilot plots of 5 rai for operation demonstration and training to educate farmers on microorganisms’ production, expansion and preservation and the production of manure pellets to ensure that the farmers are able to start the production by themselves.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dusit Athinuwat, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University revealed that it provided a household-sized fertilizer pelletizing machine to farmers, one per group, as a model for fertilizer production for the community until the results are extended in every area of ​​200 rai per area. As for the use of fertilizer pellets, after harvesting, the efficient microorganism-infused manure pellets for rice stubble and straw in rice field decomposition was sown at the rate of 100 kg/rai and then plowed over the rice stubble and straw and leave it for 14 days. During planting, when the rice produces grains, farmers then to inject the fermented water of the project with selected strains of microorganisms to increase the weight of the ear of rice. Most importantly, during the preparation of the planting area, no rice stubble is burned. Comparing to traditional cultivation methods, the use of microorganism-infused manure pellets provides beneficial results as follows:

1. Reduce environmental problems and PM 2.5 dust problems caused by burning stubble after the harvest season by about 50 percent.

2. The soil condition is more crumbly. This allows the rice roots to seek food better. Usually after harvesting, farmers would leave rice straw and rice stubble to dry in their fields for about 4-5 months, so the soil becomes dry and hard. Until the new planting season arrives, they began to plow and burn the rice straw and rice stubble to prepare the fields for planting. The project is grounded to providing advice on plowing shortly after harvesting and while the soil is still moist, the soil is looser than the farmer’s existing method applied.

3. The average rice yield increased by 26 percent/ rai according to the experiment in the Pathum Thani 1 rice plot in Ayutthaya province which can increase rice yield from 600 kg/rai to 760 kg/rai.

4. Reduce the use of fertilizer by about 800-1,200 baht/rai because throughout the planting season, there is fertilizer from rice straw and rice stubble. Farmers therefore does not require additional fertilizers.

5. As a result of reducing costs and increasing yields, farmers earn about 18% more income.

6. Farmers obtain additional income from the production and sale of microorganism-infused manure pellets for rice stubble and straw in rice field decomposition. As far as we know, there are groups of farmers trained in Udon Thani province who are interested in producing microorganism-infused manure pellets for sale as supplementary income.

For future guidelines, there should be extension and campaigning for the use of microorganism-infused manure pellets for rice stubble and straw in rice field decomposition to reduce production costs, increase income for farmers and encourage farmers to produce fertilizer for using in the community. As part of the project, about 400 farmers have been trained and all have the capacity to become role models for training and extending this knowledge to other farmers.

“Ohm-Yim (Smilingly) Team”, a team of students from the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thammasat University consists of Ms. Pornnaphat Tinamas, Ms. Suchanaree Saetan, Ms. Kanwara Yavichai and Mr. Naekin Wanthong, and the “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Team” consists of Miss Kasira Tangkunaporn, Miss Natcharee Sooksawat, Miss Nichaporn Na Phatthalung and Mr. Thachanan Chankaewrae won the first prize of the “Awareness and fundraising plan” contest for the Smile Foundation. The winners of both teams will be receiving an internship opportunity at Dexer Bangkok.

Today, we had an opportunity to interview one of the winning teams, the Merry Christmas and Happy New Year team. They mentioned that this awareness and fundraising plan arises from foreseeing the problem of fundraising from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic problems which affecting the amount of donations within the foundation to decline.

Thus, causing the idea of ​​fundraising plans under the concept “Smile for hope, Going above dreams” through the “Smile for Hope” campaign with the idea that “Not only are children suffering from cleft lips and cleft palate deserve good fortune, but in the wake of the coronavirus and the economic woes that are making it harder for working-age people to live. Those who donate in turn, deserve hope and encouragement in their daily lives.”

The “Smile for Hope” campaign is a campaign to raise funds for children with cleft lip and cleft palate with the main idea for the children in the foundation to be a part of giving through taking part in the design of various lucky charms, such as drawing and painting to be used as mobile wallpaper, and writing wishes and thank you message to be inserted into the Japanese Omamori amulet. Omamori is a small silk bag embroidered with beautiful patterns. The mouth of the bag can be opened. Inside, there are amulets made of paper and various incense to enhance good feelings, encouraging and providing hope to money donors amid the COVID-19 situation and economic downturn.

The team does hope that this campaign will be a part to help the foundation in becoming more reputed, and receiving donations that can be used to support a larger number of children. The team wishes to be another voice and allows people to realize that there are many children who have not been saved from cleft lip and cleft palate.