Thailand:

Locating at the center of the fertile Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been recognized as the world’s leading food and agricultural product supplier. With the rapid economic development during the past decades, the country serves as an active base for a wide range of conventional and advanced industries, complemented to the balances on our continual economic growth. By positioning ourselves on the path to the sustainable society, strong interest has been focused on environmentally friendly technology. On this path, we aim towards establishing Thailand as a “Green country” by combining the economic development and environmental protection to achieve sustainable development of the country based on the “self sufficient economy concept”.

towards Green country with Green technology

As science evolves and technology advances along with concern on the fragile environment, Thailand is on the path of intensive R&D for green technology. A wide range of research activities has been undertaken in academic institutions, governmental research centers and industrial sectors. Many state-of-the-art research centers have also been established as the strategic R&D bases for the national key technology development. Research communities are committed to provide the output for stimulating our economic growth while maintaining the sustainability of our environment.

With the fertile land and diverse ranges of weather

from tropical in the central and south to milder and cooler in the north, Thailand has long been the top exporters of the world’s food supply, including rice, cassava, sugarcane, oil palm, and para-rubber. Aiming to be the “kitchen of the world” to supply high quality agricultural products to the global market, Thailand has selected to walk on the non-GMOs and organic path. Blessed with the highly rich crop varieties providing rich genetic resources, the research is thus focused on the improvement of economically important food and energy crops by conventional breeding techniques together with the advanced molecular targeted breeding methodology. Development of better crops thus leads to improving yields and quality of our products, together with providing a strong supply platform for the downstream promising bio-based industries.

As the key player in economic crop improvement, the Genome Institute (GI)1, focuses on the application of genomic and transcriptomic approaches for crop improvement program. With the state-of-the-art genomic and proteomic facilities, a range of phenotype controlling genes have been identified from specific plant tissue, developmental stages and under different environmental conditions.

GREENPLANT

INTR

ODUCTION

2

GREEN

PLANT

3

These genetic targets with the construction of linkage maps enable the efficient marker- assisted selection (MAS) plant breeding program based on microsatellite, EST, and SNP markers. The techniques have been successfully applied to the breeding of economic plant cultivars with desirable phytotypes, including higher starch content for cassava, drought and disease resistance for rice, improved sex ratio and abscission trait for oil palm, and higher productivity yield for para-rubber.

A more specific focus has been aimed at rice improvement. In 1999, the country took part in the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project, which finally succeeded in elucidating the whole rice genome sequence. To establish Thailand as a leader in rice genome research, BIOTEC together with Kasetsart University founded the Rice Gene Discovery Unit (RGDU)2 in 2001. The unit’s prime objective is to position itself in the forefront of the genomic technologies on rice by developing important genetic tools for discovering genes underlying economics traits in rice at the genome-wide scale. By following-up and translating genomics in a practical term, rice breeding can now become more predictable and highly efficient. RGDU is now opening the in-house genetic tools for publ ic-free access for col laboration of researchers with different expertise to work in networking.

As another key economic crop of Thailand, cassava is a subject of extensive research and development. The industrial-oriented research at Cassava and Starch Technology Research Unit (CSTRU)3 targets at the modification of starch properties using physical and chemical modification and hydrothermal treatment for potential application in food and paper industries. Molecular approach has also been applied at BIOTEC Central Research Unit4 for modification of physicochemical properties of starch granule with the development of cassava-specific transformation system for metabolic engineering of cassava.

Remote sensing together with GIS data have been used to provide information of near real time land use and land cover annually for sugarcane growing areas. These results provide information of suitable land use that is useful for land management and sustainable sugarcane production.

Fact: Thailand ranks first in the world for rice, para-rubber, and cassava products export; among top 3 in cane sugar; and top 10 in palm oil.

GREEN

PLANT

GREE

N P

LANT

5

4

GREEN PROCESS

Economic development during the past decades led to the establishment of a diverse range of industries in the country. Most conventional industries are based on the rich agricultural resources of the country, in addition to the well-established automobile, electronics, petrochemical, and textile industries together with the emerging biotechnology-based industries. Currently, several industries turn their attention to the development of “cleaner” processes with “greener” technology. Blessed with rich microbial resources, these provide us the diversity of microbes and enzymes for bio-based process development. Application of microbes and enzymes, especially from indigenous sources is being developed and implemented in a range of industries.

Green Industrial Process

With increasing concern and responsibility for the global environment, major industrial sectors show strong interest in the development of the cleaner enzyme-assisted processes. The research at Bioresources Technology Unit (BTU)5 includes the use of enzymes in pre-bleaching and refining of eucalyptus pulp, which results in the reduction of chlorine-charge and energy consumption. Research

also concentrates on the development of enzyme-assisted desizing and bleaching process for textile industry, which potentially leads to the reduction of chemicals and waste water.

Conversion of agricultural biomass to value-added products is the basis of the promising biorefinery industry. Research at BTU5 in collaboration with the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE)6 and other major universities concentrates on the in tegra t ion of b io-processes and thermocatalytic processes on conversion of potential local biomass e.g. sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, and cassava pulp to biofuels and biochemicals. Intensive research focuses include the search for active lignocellulolytic enzyme systems from our microbe and metagenome collections as well as the development of efficient pretreatment technology for local biomass, and selection of pentose-fermenting yeasts for ethanol production.

Treatment of toxic contaminated chemicals by microbial processes has been the key research interest on bioremediation research at Chulalongkorn University7. The research activities involve the screening of microbial strains for emulsification and degradat ion of pet ro leum and for

Lignocellulosic Biomass Conversion

Bioremediation Process

GREE

N P

ROCES

SG

REEN

PROCESS

6

7

Fact: Microbial diversity in Thailand is estimated at 10% of the global diversity, providing a potential platform for biotechnology research and application in the country.

decontamination of toxic chemicals e.g. aliphatic as well as aromatic compounds such as PAHs. Conventional and molecular techniques are being used for the study of microbial dynamics to elucidate their pathways of degradation. Application of consortium, pure culture of promising organisms were employed for bioaugmentat ion whi le biostimulation was also used in field study along with other means such as the application of surfactant in such remediation.

Microalgae is considered a potent converter of carbon dioxide to a range of value-added chemicals. An intensive research at Biochemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Research and Development Unit (BEC)8 focuses on whole genome sequencing of Spirulina platensis using conventional Sanger sequencing and 454 pyrosequencing technoogy, which leads to the development of transformation system for this potent microalgae. Research on mass cultivation technology for microalgae targets at the production of phycocyanin and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The potential of using microalgae as a source of fatty acids for biodiesel production is also under investigation.

Algal Biotechnology

GREEN PRODUCT

Green environmentally friendly biofuels and bio-based products have been the key focus of R&D activities in Thailand. At present, Thailand is considered a leading country in renewable biofuel industries in the Asia-Pacific region. Our potential can be attributed to strong agricultural feedstock and agro-industry platform together with the strength in related downstream industry, including petrochemicals and plastics. With plenty and diversity of feedstock supply, Thailand’s biofuel industries could be targeted to both bioethanol and biodiesel, which are now widely used throughout the country as E10-85 and B5. Fermentation products e.g. organic acids and enzymes are also considered emerging industries. The establishment of bio-plastic industry has also been on a governmental strategic plan to position the country as the “bio-plastic hub” of Asia.

GREE

N P

ROCES

S

8

GREEN

PRODUCT

9

Bioethanol

Biodiesel

Biomass to Liquid (BTL)

Biogas

Currently, the bioethanol in the country is produced from molasses, sugarcane juice, and cassava as the key feedstock. Intensive research at CSTRU3 has been focused on the development of a more efficient ethanol production process based on the high gravity fermentation system to achieve higher ethanol concentration which will lead to reduced cost in downstream processing. The process has been optimized to accomodate a various forms of cassava e.g. fresh root, chip, and pulp (waste from starch processing as the starting materials thus lowering the cost of overall process. A pilot plant (4,000 L) has been constructed and is available for process engineering optimization.

Direct conversion of a diverse lignocellulosic biomass to l iquid alkane biofuels and key chemical intermediates e.g. sugars, furfural and HMF has been a key research focus at JGSEE6. Intensive research centers around the cata lyst design and optimization together with the development of critical and subcritical hot compressed water processes. The research provides potent alternative processes for using the agricultural biomass for thermochemical-based biorefinery industry.

Conversion of complex substrates to bioenergy in the form of methane and hydrogen has been the focus of R&D at the BEC8, and at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)11. The research directs towards the process development on conversion of agricultural, industrial (i.e. glycerol and palm oil mill effluent) and municipal wastes via the anaerobic digestion processes. Active research activities include fundamental research on the process kinetics, overall treatment efficiency improvement and increasing energy recovery efficiency together with analysis of the microbial structure and dynamics on the processes using molecular

Intensive researches are being conducted at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT)9 and Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)10 on the potential of jatropha and microalgae as the alternative oil sources.

GREEN

PRODUCT

GREE

N P

RODUCT

11

10

Industrial grade biodiesel in the country is currently produced mainly from crude palm oil using alkali-catalysed transesterification process. Research and development on biodiesel involves several aspects including catalyst development and alternative feedstock sources aiming for more

environmentally friendly and improved process economics of biodiesel production technologies. Heterogeneous super acid catalysts have been developed at JGSEE6, allowing biodiesel production from feedstocks containing high free fatty acid content with reusability of the catalyst. Biocatalytic process on the production of

“green biodiesel” is the subject of study at BTU5 using the microcrystalline immobilized lipase.

Fact: Thailand is among the leading biofuel producers in Asia with ethanol productivity of 2.65 ML/d and biodiesel production of 1.3 M L/d.

Biodegradable Plastics

techniques. The high rate anaerobic digestion technology is now widely implemented at industrial scale in a range of agro/food-industries.

To become a green count ry , Tha i land launched several policies to enhance the national productivity and consumption of bio-based material; bio-fuels, bio-polymer, and bio-chemical. To increase the utilization of alternative energy and to secure the national energy supply, a 15-year alternative energy plan was announced. Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)15 has classified activities related to bio-based material as priority activities eligible for maximum privileges. The privilege package includes tax and non-tax incentives. Tax incentives include 8 years tax holiday, 50% reduction of corporate income tax for additional 5 years if located in Science Park, and exemption of import duties on machinery and raw material.

In addition, the qualified business also receives non-tax incentives such as land ownership rights for foreign investors, permission to bring in foreign experts and technicians, and work permit and visa facilitation

Thailand ranks among world’s top 15 suppliers of biofuels for the world consumption. In 2008, Thailand produced 0.3 billion liters of fuel ethanol and 0.4 billion liters of biodiesel. Under the 15-year alternative energy plan, Thailand aims to produce fuel ethanol at 9 million liters/day and

GREEN POLICY

In order to maintain the country competitiveness on the global plastic industry, the National Innovation Agency (NIA)12, launched a 5-year Roadmap for the development of bio-plastic industry in Thailand in 2008. At the first stage, R&D has been focused on key bio-based plastics including polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanotes (PHAs) and polybuty lene succinate (PBS) . Extensive range of research activities involves the downstream monomer production from sugars and starch (lactic acid at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT)13) and CSTRU3, polymerization, to the downstream compounding and final product development (National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC)14) as well as fermentation process optimization of PHAs (Chulalongkorn University7).

GREE

N P

RODUCT

12

GREEN

POLIC

Y

13

biodiesel at 4.5 million liters/day. There are tax incentives and special privilege for the ethanol manufacturer. Soft loan is available to the factory for setting up the wastewater treatment with biogas production. Seed money has been allocated for R&D to improve the energy crop variety such as palm oil and sugarcane.

In 2007, BOI15 announced biotechnology business as the national business priority. Businesses that have R&D and/or manufacture using biotechnology in 6 areas are qualified for the privilege package. These areas include (1) plant improvement, (2) biopharmaceutical production, (3) diagnostic kit, (4) bioactive molecule production, (5) materials for molecular test and analysis, and (6) synthesis and analytical service using molecular technology.

This is a good time for the bio-based business to get support and a good time for the nation to have multiple green products as alternative choices. In the near future, in addition to being a leader in biofuels, the nation hopes to be known as the regional center of a variety of green products and industries. A number of industrial enzymes, microbial remediation, raw material for biopolymer, as well as new energy crop variety are lined up for commercialization.

One of BIOTEC research centers set up at Thailand Science Park. GI aims to serve as the national platform for generating and analyzing genome databases of organisms of importance to the country. The activities consist of DNA sequencing, proteomics, systems biology and maintaining genomics databases. (www.biotec.or.th)

GREEN NETWORK

Genome Institue (GI)1

National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Rice Gene Discovery Unit (RGDU)2

A BIOTEC specialize research units based in Kasetsart University. The Unit focuses on theuse of technologies to develop genomic tools to d iscover genes that revea l impor tant characteristics of rice, as well as making use of genes in molecular breeding programs. (www.biotec.or.th)

GREE

N P

OLICY

14

GREEN

NETW

ORK

15

Located at Thailand Science Park, it has core research program of BIOTEC covering agricultural and medical biotechnology; ranging from food biotechnology, plant physiology to drug target research. (www.biotec.or.th)

Chulalongkorn University, with 450 programs of study in various faculties for approximately 30,000 students and good quality of facilities especially high profile staff members and students, to enhance the ability for learning – laboratories and academic resources, is renowned as the first rank of university in Thailand. (www.chula.ac.th)

JGSEE is a designated Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, operates as a consortium of five universities led by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, with King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Chiang Mai University, Prince of Songkla

Located at Thailand Science Park, the Unit essentially performs bioresources assessment, screening and characterization to obtain chemicals and enzymes for industrial use. In addition to microbiology, biochemistry and enzyme technology laborator ies , the Uni t houses the Cul ture Collection and bioassay facilities for research and services. (www.biotec.or.th)

BIOTEC Central Research Unit4

Bioresources Technology Unit (BTU)5

Chulalongkorn University7

Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE)6

Biochemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Research and Development Unit (BEC)8

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT)9

The Unit serves as a center for R&D in biochemical engineering , and works on pilot plant design, training and applications suitable for local industrial needs. The Unit covers research areas such as algal biotechnology, microbial bioprocess development, systems biology and bioinformatics, biosensors and chemical sensors technology. (www.biotec.or.th)

KMUTT is one of the nine national research universities announced by the government of Thailand in 2009. With the aim to enhance the research capabilities, KMUTT focuses on developing both basic and interdisciplinary research area covering Biotechnology and Life Science, Energy and Environment, ICT and Mathematics, and Material Science. (www.kmutt.ac.th)

University and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology as partners. JGSEE offers international graduate programs and performs research that addresses sustainable energy development and deployment issues, including environmental protection and climate change mitigation (www.jgsee.kmutt.ac.th)

Cassava and Starch Technology Research Unit (CSTRU)3

One of BIOTEC specialize research units located at Kasetsart University. The Unit supports the cassava processing industry via R&D on such areas as biochemical and physico-chemical determination of cassava and derivative products, physico-chemical properties of cassava and starch, methods to improve cassava starch extraction and product quality and creation or adaptation of technology in making value-added products from cassava. (www.biotec.or.th)

GREEN

NETW

ORK

GREE

N N

ETWORK

17

16

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, consists of 2 campuses, Bangkok and Pracheenburi. Science, engineering and applied art programs are offered at Bangkok campus, while agro-industrial technology and tourism programs are the main focus in Pracheenburi campus. Worldwide and local research cooperation leads to the fast growing of outstanding and experiences of academic staffs; and research and development programs. (www.kmutnb.ac.th)

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)11 National Metal and Materials

Technology Center (MTEC)14

National Innovation Agency (NIA)12 Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)15

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT)13

NIA is an autonomous government organization under the Ministry of Science and Technology, functions as a central unit in coordinating, networking and partnering different organizations from various fields such as education, technology, finance or investment but mainly focuses on util izing knowledge management to achieve innovation. Currently, NIA is focusing on three strategic areas Bio-Business, Energy and Environment, and Design and Branding. (www.nia.or.th)

A public autonomous university under the Royal Thai Government supervision, SUT is determined to achieve excellence in learning and teaching activities, and progress as a research university by strengthening its research activities. Though a support with resources, SUT seeks enhance research potentials, create new researchers, and produce quality research products beneficial to the Thai society. (www.sut.ac.th)

BOI is the government agency for encouraging foreign direct investment to Thailand. The BOI is available to assist you in numerous ways, including: Giving the business support service, offering an attractive and competitive package of tax and non tax incentives, together with other benefit such as the assistance in the provision of the visa and work permits. (www.boi.go.th)

MTEC is one of the four national centers under National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), focusing on development and strengthening technological capability in materials and related technologies including design and manufacturing in both the public and private sectors in order to propel and sustain industrial development, economic growth and environmental well-being of the nation. (www.mtec.or.th)

Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)10

As state enterprise under the Thailand Ministry of Science and Technology, TISTR is an organization of integrated technologies and a centre of ASEAN countries in providing leading scientific services for the leverage of national competitiveness and services, and the creation of a learning society. (www.tistr.or.th)

19

18

GREEN

NETW

ORK

GREE

N N

ETWORK