Participants from the Thailand Charter of Health Foundation, academic institutions, and regional innovation zone management teams gathered with Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Policy, for a strategic discussion on national innovation competitiveness, held at Phitsanulok House on July 14, 2025.
Published: July 15, 2025
Phitsanulok House, Bangkok
On July 14, 2025, a strategic consultation was held at Phitsanulok House between Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, and representatives from the Thailand Charter, the Thailand Charter of Health, and administrators from 18 High-Value Innovation Zones across the country. The dialogue focused on aligning regional innovation efforts with national policy priorities to enhance Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.
This meeting brought together leaders from multiple sectors—urban planning, health, academia, and local innovation management—to present development frameworks and seek guidance on next steps, particularly in the context of the government’s ongoing support for the High-Value Innovation Zone initiative. Two zones—Songkhla and Surat Thani—have already received Cabinet-level approval in principle during the recent Southern Mobile Cabinet session.
Structured Dialogue on Innovation for National Competitiveness
The meeting agenda began at 15:00 with opening remarks by Mr. Phongthep, followed by the introduction of zone representatives by Mr. Thapana Bunyapravitra, President of the Thai Urban Planning Association and Secretary of the Thailand Charter.
At 15:10, a presentation was delivered outlining the classification framework, development milestones, and national policy alignment of the High-Value Innovation Zones. Speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kampon Sriwatanakul (Chair of the Thailand Charter of Health), Mr. Thapana, and Dr. Nitath (Assistant to the President, PSU Surat Thani).
At 15:20, a 30-minute session focused on the role of innovation zones in boosting national competitiveness across five priority sectors:
- Medical services, pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices – presented by Dr. Yee Yitathasiri
- Circular economy industries
- Health-oriented and medical foods
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry
- Wellness and medical tourism
This was followed by a discussion on the readiness of universities, innovation agencies, local governments, and private sector partners to drive ecosystem-level development. Contributors included Prof. Phan, Assoc. Prof. Sunthorn, and Assoc. Prof. Por.
The meeting concluded with reflections and strategic guidance from Mr. Phongthep at 16:10, before closing remarks were made at 17:00.
Cross-Sectoral Contributions and Acknowledgments
The Thailand Charter and Thailand Charter of Health jointly extend their appreciation to Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana for his continued engagement and encouragement toward inclusive, innovation-led development.
Special thanks are also extended to the following participants:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kampon Sriwatanakul, Chair, Thailand Charter of Health
- Mr. Thapana Bunyapravitra, President, Thai Urban Planning Association / Secretary, Thailand Charter
- Dr. Yee Yitathasiri, ThaiWellness Association
- Dr. Mullika Sungsanit, Vice Rector, Suranaree University of Technology
- Dr. Marut Tangwattanachuleeporn, Acting Vice Rector, Burapha University
- Dr. Nitath, PSU Surat Thani
- Mr. Somsak Arunsurat, Chairman, Nakhon Sawan Municipal Council
- Dr. Naphatthakarn Kerdsaeng, ThaiWellness Association
- Mr. Thanakrit Meesomchit, Executive Committee, Thai Urban Planning Association
- Mr. Pairach, Clean Energy Advisor
- Delegates representing the innovation zones of Pathum Thani, Nongpho (Nakhon Sawan), Trat Archipelago, and Nong Khai
This gathering reaffirmed the shared commitment to building an ecosystem of value-based innovation across Thailand—where wellness, sustainability, and competitiveness go hand-in-hand with regional empowerment.