" Pursuant to Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister, foreseeing the essence of biotechnology, a key factor for developing the country, he passed on an initiative to formulate Thailand’s National Biotechnology Policy Framework in line with the Government policy to promote sufficiency of living and enhancement of competitiveness for the country, toward a proper balance and direction.

 Accordingly, the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), in collaboration with the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) prepared the National Biotechnology Policy Framework, an eight-year road map (2004 to 2011), and submitted it to the National Biotechnology Policy Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister.

 On December 23, 2003, the National Biotechnology Policy Committee resolved to endorse such National Biotechnology Policy Framework, in viewing that biotechnology development in Thailand possesses high potential along with a series of on-going projects that have been carried out with much efficiency.  In this respect, the National Biotechnology Policy Committee concluded to draw the framework for the period of six years (2004-2011), as well as appointed six sub-committees discharging of each separate goal. 

 Meanwhile, a special sub-committee was also set up entrusted with main task of genetic engineering and biosafety policy development. After al, this should prompt immediate consideration, and speed up implementation on the national policy, for the issues that carry high impact and currently problems to the country.

In the effort to disseminate the National Biotechnology Policy Framework extensively, as well as enable relevant agencies to use it as guidance for their respective implementation in harmony with the national policy, the secretariat of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee has the National Biotechnology Policy Framework published. Although this version of the National Biotechnology Policy Framework was prepared for an eight-year timeframe, the secretariat is now revising it to complete within six-year timeframe as advised by the National Biotechnology Policy Committee.

 The Secretariat of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee would like to extend appreciation to the Steering Committee of the National Biotechnology Status Review and Roadmapping Project, including several working groups for their valuable inputs and contribution to the composition of the National Biotechnology Policy Framework, which of course will be highly useful for the country in employing biotechnology to maintain the balance and advancement for development, encompassing both aspects of sufficiency of living and enhancing competitiveness."

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Thailand’s National Biotechnology Policy Framework 2004 - 2011

Background The Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, foreseeing the potential of biotechnology towards the development of the country, based  on  the  fact  that  Thailand  has  an  abundance  of  biological resources and the capacity to fast-track certain aspects of the technology, requested the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and other relevant agencies to prepare policy recommendations for the national development of biotechnology. An overview paper on biotechnology policy was prepared and submitted for deliberation by the 3rd Cabinet Screening Committee, and subsequently to the Cabinet, on 18 March 2003. Following consideration, the Cabinet passed a resolution agreeing to establish a National Biotechnology Policy Committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, and assigning NSTDA to serve as the secretariat of the Committee and to develop the nation’s master plan for developing biotechnology.

Towards this end, NSTDA and the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), its specialized center in biotechnology, has conducted brainstorming sessions and analysis of data from commissioned studies of current status and trends in biotechnology-related fields, including public hearings with technical experts, the private sector and other stakeholders. Within six months, a draft report identifying a framework of policy initiatives for developing Thailand’s biotechnology was drawn up.

Comments  on  the  draft  report  were  subsequently  sought  from BIOTEC's  Executive  Board  and  the  National  Science  and  Technology Development Board, who provided some recommendations to improve the report. The final policy framework was tabled for consideration at the first meeting of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee on 23 December 2004, where it was discussed and approved. Following are summaries of the main features of the report.

Goals of Biotechnology Development in Thailand (2004-2011)

By the year 2011, biotechnology will be playing a vital role in the country’s development in line with government policy and the national agenda, which encompasses sustainable competitiveness, healthcare for all, equitable income distribution and a self-sufficient economy. The emphasis will be placed on applying core technologies, e.g.  genomics, bioinformatics, plant and animal breeding by means of molecular markers to accelerate development in the following areas: agriculture/food, medical care  and  environment  protection,  new  knowledge  creation  for  the development of higher value-added products, as well as for knowledge-based policy and strategic planning. The core technologies will also help to promote biotechnology business, including high-end products with high value and new types of services where modern technology is required.

 In  addition  to  being  consistent  with  the  national  agenda  and government  policy  directions,  the  national  goals  for  biotechnology development are also derived from consideration to other dimensions. These include, among others, capability in and accessibility to technology, readiness and potential of the country and implications for the economy, society and the environment.

The six goals for biotechnology development in Thailand are:

Goal No. 1:  “Emergence and Development of New Bio-Business”           

Goal No. 2:  “Biotechnology Promotes Thailand as Kitchen of the World”

Goal No. 3: “Thailand Represents Healthy Community and Healthcare Center of Asia”

Goal No. 4:  “Utilization of Biotechnology to Conserve the Environment and to Produce Clean Energy”

Goal No. 5:  “Biotechnology as the Key Factor for Self-Sufficient Economy”

Goal No. 6:  “Development of Qualified Human Resource System”

 
Goal No. 1: “Emergence and Development of New Bio-Business”        

The potential of biotechnology will be utilized to encourage investment in research and development and the establishment of new biotechnology companies with the following major objectives:

- To see the emergence of over one hundred new biotechnology companies
- to  achieve  investment  by  the  private  sector  in  research  and development of biotechnology amounting to at least 5 billion baht per year.

The new bio-business will focus on many new opportunities. One such opportunity is the production of high value-added products, such as medical diagnostic kits, supplementary food and seed. Another is the service business, especially molecular-level detection/analysis for medical care and public health, agriculture and food export, biosafety and bioterrorism/biological weapons. Venture capital is to help expanding investment in the biotechnology business.  Knowledge-based  business,  including  investment  in bioinformatics research for new drug development, the search for genes (the genetic material that make up characteristics of living things) for the improvement of crop plants and livestock, will be the future-oriented focus.

Key strategies are:

• To construct/develop infrastructure such as a biotechnology-park to attract both domestic and overseas investment, as well as using services in research and development.
• Set  forth  clear  policy  or  management  to  settle  some  highly controversial  issues,  such  as  issuance  of  law  on  protection  of bioresources and policy on the development of safe GMO products.
• Create an environment and incentives for venture capital to be invested in biotechnology, which needs a longer period than other industrial technologies for the return of the investment. These include taxation privileges, in particular import duties, corporate tax and co-ownership of the rights to utilize bioresources where Thailand has a particular advantage.
• Promote investment in research, development and innovation, as well as cultivating capability for biotechnology research following the concept of cluster research, skill-based technology and innovation approaches.
• Support  the  listing  of  biotechnology  companies  on  the  Stock Exchange of Thailand

Measures that should be carried out immediately include:

• Making use of ASEAN Economic Cooperation (AEC) and ASEAN Economic Dialogues (AED) to attract investment and expand Thailand’s market.
• Formulate key business clusters based on skills, technology and innovation approaches to promote small and medium-sized enterprises to link with larger companies.
• Conduct  public  relations  campaign  amongst  the  international community  with  emphasis  on  business  potential  and  return  of investment in biotechnology in Thailand.
• Issue taxation measures and other privileges for venture capital.

 Goal No. 2: “Biotechnology Promotes Thailand as Kitchen of the World”

Biotechnology is to support Thailand to be become the “Kitchen of the world” by maintaining and enhancing its competitiveness in agriculture and food industries which will increase in export value up to 1.2 trillion Baht (3 times the 2002 export value), and elevate the export value of processed agricultural products from 12th in the world ranking, up to the top 5 by the year 2011.

Key strategies are:

• Promote agricultural research to include a higher biotechnology component.
• Form clusters of high value-added manufacture in the supply chain, such as shrimp industry, seed industry and important goods, e.g. rice and cassava. Biotechnology is to be applied as the core in increasing productivity, breeding plants and livestock to suit the cultivating environment, reducing chemicals, and raising quality to meet the ever-changing market needs.
• Develop and use the potential of biotechnology for quick, precise, and specific detection and diagnosis in managing food and seed safety by setting up a biotechnology laboratory to certify quality and standards for export products, as well as inspection of imported products.
• Shift  the  emphasis  on  the  current  role  as  an  OEM  for  seed  to developer and producer of seed for export.
• Expedite development of new lines of marine products to provide supplements and alternatives to existing products (shrimp).
• Develop technology and related business services in post-harvest and packaging technology to prolong shelf-life of agricultural products.
• Conduct research to collect scientific data needed in risk assessment of food and agricultural products for export, which will eventually enable Thailand to set standards for products where the country is the leading exporter.
• Prepare and utilize (scientific) data in decision-making, laying down key measures, and negotiating or solving trade barrier problems.

8Measures that should be carried out immediately:

• Identify appropriate host who will be responsible for organizing the research clusters for key agricultural industries, such as rice, shrimp, seed and cassava and allocate resources appropriately.
• Utilize biotechnology to develop and produce biocontrol agents for pest management to significantly reduce usage of chemicals.
• Enhance capability in inspecting and certifying food quality, standards and safety, together with organizing a support-system for inspection and certification of quality and safety.
• Systematize scientific data on food and agricultural products for export by using the cluster as the coordinating point, organizing data and knowledge management systems to be used in trade negotiation with major markets.
• Develop a clear policy on genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms and transgenics for Thailand.
• Set up traceability systems for key export products/goods to support inspection and certification of quality and safety.
• Lay down a clear joint policy and implementation strategy amongst different organizations ranging from research level to utilization.

Goal No. 3: “Thailand Represents Healthy Community and Healthcare Center of Asia”

Utilize biotechnology as the core technology to realize the following two objectives:

1. Elevate the quality of life and health of Thai people.
2. Thailand to become. the health center of Asia.

 Key strategies are:

Invest in research and development for tropical diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and some genetic diseases such as thalassemia that will lead to protection, reduction of cost for patient treatment and care, prevention of epidemics caused by population mobility in the border areas.

Promote premium health care products made from local ingredients, such as herbal products of international standard, bioactive compounds from plants and microorganisms, diagnostic agents and healthcare products that are backed up by scientific data and clinical testing results as to their efficacy and safety that will help substitute imported products and promote a healthy and self-reliant society, together with increasing exports to regional markets.

Make use of foreign policy in assisting neighboring countries in public health and medical care, which will in turn enable greater market access for Thai-developed products and services across the Asian region, and other regions.

Reinforce the government’s role in assisting the global community through partnership with foreign organizations that mobilize capital to support tropical disease research, thereby enabling Thailand to function as the research and development base for the development of tropical disease-related products.

Establish the necessary infrastructure and human resources in biomedical science as a mechanism to stimulate investment and transfer of modern biotechnology such as genomics and bioinformatics that will fortify the objective of becoming a center for healthcare business and a center for clinical trial of medical products.

Support  the  establishment  of  new  companies  related  to  test  kits/diagnostic  kits  and  genetic  testing  service  business  to  substitute imported products and services.

Establish appropriate management mechanisms and implementation strategies in bioethical, legal and societal issues in a well-balanced manner.

 Measures that should be carried out immediately include:

• Promote the development of user-friendly health-related testing devices that will elevate the quality of life for the community.
• Establish infrastructure and human resources for development of new biotechnology, such as genomics and bioinformatics, thereby encouraging investment in life sciences.
• Produce diagnostic agents and health care products that are backed up by clinical testing guaranteeing their efficacy and safety.
• Set up a national working group on bioethical and legal issues.

Goal No. 4: “Utilization of Biotechnology to Conserve the Environment and to Produce Clean Energy”

 Utilize biotechnology to improve the environment and strengthen energy security with the following objectives:

• To produce energy from agriculture-derived materials, animal wastes, waste and wastewater from food/agriculture industries, including solid wastes.
• To utilize biotechnology in improving soil quality by developing biomass and biofertilizer to strengthen soil composition, fertility and organic materials appropriate for soil microorganism growth. These will raise the yield of agricultural products and reduce chemical usage for pest management at an appropriate level, thereby reducing pollution and erosion problems related to soil and water.
• To utilize bio-devices in inspection, surveillance, treatment and rehabilitation of the environment as well as monitoring substances that may cause pollution, for the benefit of management.
• To develop technology for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recycling of materials for the environment, such as biodegradable food packaging in substitution of plastics, to prepare for “Green and Clean” measures adopted by importers of Thai products.

Key strategies are:

• Setting up of commonly agreed targets among key organizations, namely  Ministry  of  Energy, Ministry  of Natural  Resources  and Environment, Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Science and Technology, amending laws, rules and regulations to accommodate investment  in  waste  treatment  and  implementing  measure  for business return that may reduce waste and substitute energy.
• Initiation of financial and taxation policy and measures, including low-interest-rate loans with no-interest grace period as incentives for private sector to invest in transforming waste into energy, especially in agriculture/livestock industry, which produces an abundance of waste while remaining a high energy consumer. This will eventually lead to a reduction of production costs and a solution to trade barriers using environmental criteria.
• Initiate policy to determine return of investment and pay back period by including consideration of environmental returns, apart from just economic returns.
• Establish environmental standards for manufacturing and business sectors and initiate incentive measures to put the standards into practice.
• Develop new technology for environment protection, especially for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recycling of waste materials and by-products.
• Support development and usage of biofertilizer and other organic products, including biocontrol agents as substitution for chemical usage for pest management to rehabilitate soil quality.

 Measures that should be carried out immediately:

• Set up common policy amongst Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Support loans for food industry factories and livestock farms to install appropriate systems for waste treatment and power generation, including excess sale to the grid.
• Modify the concept of cost-benefit calculation of energy sources to include environment-protection effects as a return on investment, thereby creating incentives to invest in waste treatment and substitute energy generation.
• Promote manufacturing and usage of biodegradable plastic both for use domestically and packaging for export.
• Promote utilization of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents in substitution for chemical usage for pest management to rehabilitate soil quality.

Goal No. 5: “Biotechnology as the Key Factor for Self-Sufficient Economy”

The primary goal is to conserve and make best use of biological resources that are important to, or specific in, each local community. Biotechnology can be used to extend local wisdom, expand the diversity of products and value of local resources, as well as enhance local product quality.

 Key strategies are:

• Provide  quality  and  safety  enhancement  system for  community goods, together with innovation in manufacturing of novel products, organic  agriculture  at  the  local  level,  use  of  pure  culture microorganisms to produce fermented food, biofertilizers, probiotics, and pest-control microorganisms.
• Utilize biotechnology as the core technology to increase value of community goods, such as premium herbal products, food products, propagation of flowering plants and disease-free tubers.
• Create “local bioresource mapping” in the form of location and traditional knowledge, along with conducting in-depth studies e.g. on chemicals in plants and microorganisms by development of a virtual network with data ready to be transformed into property or leading to development of new medicine, functional food, herbal products and health supplement products. Studies also to be conducted on local plant genetics to help developing new plant varieties of high economic value.
• Develop local sites of abundant natural resources into places for local communities to learn natural science and for field research by the scientific community, in order to speed up data collection and the transformation of the country into scientific society at all levels, as well as to conserve natural resources for sustainable use.

 Measures that should be carried out immediately:

• Provide training system on food safety for local communities.
• Provide inspection mechanism for quality standards of local community goods by enhancing local academic institutions to function as service providers of data, technology, and inspection/analysis of quality and safety of community goods.
• Expedite establishment and development of community business network that focuses on conservation along with utilization of community-based ecology such as herbal plants, orchids, flowering and decorative plants.
• Promote efficient community access to biotechnology for use in local plant propagation and breeding, which will be utilized as raw materials for the manufacturing of community goods.
• Support establishment of environmental standards in the manufacturing of community goods.

Goal No. 6: “Development of Qualified Human Resource System”

 In order to achieve all the afore-mentioned goals, “quality of workforce” is essential, with the following three objectives:

• No less than 5,000 personnel engaged as professional biotechnology researchers in the public and private sectors.
• No less than 500 personnel engaged in biotechnology management.
• No less than 10,000 students at the level of bachelor, master and doctoral degree in fields related to biotechnology development.

 Key strategies are:

• Compile data on personnel with competency in biotechnology by preparing a directory of 5,000 top researchers, biotechnology companies and research institutes. The data will be used for planning/decision-making at policy level, research management level, formulating research networks and bio-business.
• Create an attractive atmosphere for research and development by formulating research towns/research communities such as Biotechnology Parks, build career path for researchers and their place in Thai society that is recognized, respected and well-paid on a par with other occupations. Reorganize research management systems in the country as a mechanism to both support and monitor researchers. Work and output.
• Persuade foreign experts in biotechnology to conduct research and development in Thailand, particularly in areas where the country currently lacks sufficient expertise.
• Utilize a three-prong strategy i.e. enhancing cooperation among research institutes, universities and the private sector to develop human resources and research outputs for the development of the country. This can be done through the application of on-the-job training that will provide a skilled workforce for the private sector, both domestic and foreign, that has invested in research and development in the country.
• Expedite the development of those technologies with high priority both  in  terms  of  infrastructure  and  human  resources,  such  as genomics and bioinformatics, entrepreneurship, management, as well as experts in bioethics, law, technology and negotiation.

20Measures that should be carried out immediately:

• Compile and maintain data on 5,000 top biotechnology personnel and research networks, including biotechnology companies and domestic research institutes. 
• Devise a mechanism to promote the emergence of biotechnology research networks that will join forces in terms of human resources and budget for new knowledge creation and conduct of high quality research that is beneficial to the country.
• Utilize a three-prong strategy i.e. enhancing cooperation amongst the public sector, private sector and academic/knowledge institutions and utilize on-the-job training, as part of the strategy built into projects to create graduates in master degree and doctoral levels. Shift the role of the private sector to be the leader in proposing research questions as a tool to create qualified human resources. Two levels of action are to be carried out in parallel: at the domestic level by focusing  on  the  private  sector’s  research  problems  and  at  the international level by using research collaboration as a mechanism to  transfer  new  technologies  from developed  country  research institutes and private sector into the country, together with creating a new breed of qualified personnel.
• Create a system and environment conducive to recruitment of foreign personnel to conduct biotechnology research and development in Thailand as deemed necessary, especially in the areas where the country lacks expertise.

Conditions and Overall Strategies for Success

• Utilize biotechnology as a major component in the formulation of national policy, e.g. industrial policy, agricultural policy, public health policy and energy and environment policy. Names of key person(s)/organizations in charge and person(s)/organizations that have joint responsibility are to be clearly identified.
• Initiate policy to promote venture capital, thereby encouraging investment in research and development and production of novel biotechnology products. These are expected to result in emergence of a bio-business sector on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
• Develop qualified human resources, especially researchers in modern biotechnology as mentioned in Goal No.6.
• Establish infrastructure to support and strengthen core research and development activities, such as those in the fields of genomics, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, genetic testing, breeding and selection using molecular markers. Database of competent personnel in the form of a virtual network will need to be developed, together with enhancement of existing organizational competency and strengthening of linkages amongst organizations to achieve a holistic approach.
• Prepare a technology acquisition plan by using strategic cooperation with abroad with emphasis on maintaining well-balanced benefit sharing.
• Strengthen efficiency of management, such as intellectual property management, research management, new business management, including competency in international negotiation for fair benefit sharing and technology transfer.
• Initiate measures to prepare society for new knowledge, greater understanding of biotechnology and its benefits and guidelines in bioethical issues that follow and reflect the culture and values of Thai society.

Expected Economic Impact

• No  less  than  5  billion  Baht  of  investment  in  bioscience  and biotechnology research and development through emergence of new bio-business, both locally and from abroad, thereby creating 100 new companies in bio-business and generating total revenue of 30 billion Baht.
• Export value of agricultural and food products increase from 400 billion Baht in 2002 to 1.2 trillion Baht in 2011, maintaining the minimum employment of 600,000 jobs, and also maintaining a leading position in the export of key products, such as shrimp, rice, etc.
• Decrease in import value of healthcare products, such as diagnostic kits, medical supplies, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals at about 15.5 billion Baht.
• Prevent an economic loss of 32 billion Baht per year from the major diseases that severely affect Thai people.
• Saving of 22 billion Baht worth of energy per year by producing substitute energy from agricultural materials and waste/garbage.
• This type of recycling technology will also help lower international trade barriers.
• At least 5 billion Baht increase of revenue to local communities from the sale of their agricultural and food products.
• Strength in bioscience and biotechnology will enable the country to maintain its economic competitiveness and lead in selected products in a sustainable manner.

Societal and Environmental Impacts

• Raise the quality of living for Thai people, in terms of health and welfare, knowledge, income and distribution of income, strong family units and self-reliant communities.
• Self-sufficient economy prevails in the local community due to the capability to generate income by adding value to local resources and at the same time conserving and managing their natural resources for sustainable use.
• Environment and bioresources are conserved and rehabilitated from state of erosion and deterioration.
• Thai society is equipped with qualified personnel with high potential, which is considered as intellectual capital for a developing knowledge-based economy.

Key areas of implementation that will transform policy initiatives into practice

 1. Identify host for each goal: The appropriate host should fulfill the following conditions or qualification: 23

• Need not be a conventional authoritative body, but can be a person or a group of people knowledgeable and experienced enough with the particular goal, being flexible enough to perform the role of host and can be responsible in the achievement of the goal.
• Having strong leadership. In case of an organization, it should have a strong leader respected and recognized by relevant parties.
• Having high competency to assume the central role in cooperating with other parties, having strong networks in the specific field and good linkage with the private/business sector.
• Being knowledgeable in biotechnology, either directly in research and development, management of research and development, business and industry development, policy study and decision-making, or indirectly by involvement as a user of biotechnology.

 2.   Develop infrastructure

• Palpable  infrastructure  for  research  and  development,  i.e. workplace that links public sector, private sector and academic institutions following the cluster concept, such as biotechnology parks.
• Legal infrastructure, e.g. laws and enactment of laws regarding biosafety, conservation and utilization of biological resources and biotechnology-related intellectual property, etc.

 3. Resource allocation

In developing biotechnology for the country, it is essential to invest in many areas such as infrastructure development, research and development, support of business development, joint ventures with foreign companies, human resource development, etc.  Focus is to be placed on joint investment carried by the public sector and private sector both Thai and foreign. In the initial phase, the major proportion of investment may come from the Thai government, but later on investment from the Thai private sector and foreign sources is to be gradually increased.  By the year 2011, the proportion of investment will be 50:50 (Thai government: Thai and foreign private sector).  In addition, if Thailand is to reap the genuine socioeconomic benefit of investment in biotechnology, it should invest in research and development in this field at least one third of total budget for science and technology research, or approximately 16.5 billion Baht annually.

24. Implementing the six goals

The lead host and relevant parties should cooperatively implement the strategy to achieve the milestones and the final goal. The lead host is expected to carry out the implementation through partnership with the National Biotechnology Policy Committee. The lead host is required to have a mechanism that will monitor and evaluate project/program implementation by relevant parties, in order to assess its success, quality of work and practicality by examining the outputs and results of the project. This will enable the lead host to adjust its strategy and implementation to suit the changing environment. The lead host will function as a learning center for involved parties to continually develop their capacity and to prepare progressive, forward-looking plans.

 5. Monitoring of progress and evaluation of implementation

a mechanism to monitor and evaluate progress should be put in place by examination at both the overall level and in detail for some particular issues. The monitoring and evaluation process will begin reviewing this policy framework/roadmap commencing in the 4^th year of implementation.  This will assist with revising the biotechnology policy framework and formulating a policy plan for the ensuing 8-year period. In addition, in the event of any unexpected situation that affects the policy framework, revision can be made ahead of the schedule. A further mechanism to monitor the changes in technology and status of the country relevant to the rest of the world, in terms of economy (including key exports), society, politics and technology should be put in place in order to adjust policy and strategies in an appropriate and timely manner to cope with the changing situation, domestically and globally. As such, a monitoring and evaluation working group, consisting of experts in various fields and including private sector is to be appointed by the National Biotechnology Policy Committee. Together with the secretariat of the  Policy  Committee,  they  will  function  as  the  core  team for cooperation in collecting, processing and analyzing opinions and recommendations  and  subsequently  report  their  findings  to  the National Biotechnology Policy Committee.

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More information on Biotechnology Industry in Thailand:

• Overview of Biotechnology in Thailand

• BioThailand 2005: 2-5 November 2005
  

• Thailand's National Biotechnology Policy Framework 2004-2011, by the National Biotechnology Policy Committee Secretariat

• Presentation on Biotechnology in Thailand by Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai of National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park

• Recent Major Development of Science and Technology in Thailand: Biotechnology – by Morakot Tanticharoen, Rudd Valyasevi, Jade Donavanik and Thippayawan Thanapaisal of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)

• Presentation on Investment Opportunities in Thailand by Mr. Satit Sirirangkamanont, Secretary General of Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

• Report on seminar Thailand-Oregon: Exploring the Possibility of a Bioscience Partnership in Portland, Oregon

• Case Studies: Exploring the Possibility of a Bioscience Partnership Oregon, USA and Thailand by Christopher Runckel, President of Runckel & Associates.