Prof. Dr. Montri Chulavatnatol, Prof. (Special) Dr. Chomchin Chantrasakul, Dr. Porntipa Picha,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sukanya Jetchadanondh, Benja Puangsuwan and Thitika Vajrodaya

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study is to identify key research topics in chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences that rend support to the 3 national strategies, namely enhancing national competitiveness, sustainable development and social development . Based on the documentary research and group discussions held during the first period of 6 months (July-December, 2004) and the second period of 7 months (January-July, 2005), the key points are summarized as follows:

Chemical industry is facing intense global competition. Since no country can produce all chemicals to meet its needs, every country has to import and export chemicals. To reduce energy cost and expenses on environmental protection, there are increasing use of catalysts and biotechnological processes in the chemical industry. To control cost, chemical industry tends to outsource its manufacturing and research and development to developing countries.

Thailand has developed chemical industry in 5 major areas, namely pharmaceuticals, herbs, petrochemicals, plastics, and agro-processing. In each area, the industry serves both domestic and export markets. However, research and development in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences in the country are still limited and insufficient to meet the demands of the industry.

Based on the analysis and views expressed in the group discussions, the chemical research on agro-processing was considered to be most important. Research on herbs, plastics, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals were rated to be of lower importance, in decreasing order.

Within these areas, 14 key research clusters were identified. They are: 1. Human vaccines, 2. Animal vaccines, 3. Diagnostic kits, 4. Pharmaceuticals with expiring patents, 5. Herbal active agents, 6. Herbal food supplements, 7. Herbal cosmetics, 8. Improved efficiency of petrochemical production, 9. Ethanol and biodiesel, 10. Bioplastics and degradable plastics, 11. Plastic composits, 12. Pharmaceuticals and food supplements from agro-materials, 13. Special compounds from agro-materials, and 14. Quality of processed agro-products.

Further work will include: (1) development of roadmap for each key research cluster aiming at strengthening the respective chemical industry; (2) acceleration of research by engaging foreign researchers and foreign research centers with expertise and development on Converging technologies (NBIC) which include Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information technology and Cognitive science.