(October 14, 2025), Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani – National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), officially launched the “Advanced Aquatic Animal Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Laboratory”, marking a new milestone in Thailand’s scientific and innovation infrastructure. The facility is designed to support the development of high-standard, safe, and reliable aquatic health products at the national level, enabling controlled infection testing for vaccines, immunostimulants, and probiotics.
This initiative was made possible with funding support from the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), to strengthen national R&D infrastructure. The opening ceremony was attended by BIOTEC and PMU-B executives, along with representatives from the aquaculture industry, with more than 50 participants joining a guided laboratory tour.
Assistant Professor Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Ph.D. Executive Director of National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that the launch of this laboratory marks Thailand’s readiness in scientific and innovation infrastructure that will play a key role in advancing the aquaculture industry. “Our goal is to bridge research and innovation with real-world industry applications through collaboration between the public and private sectors. The laboratory provides state-of-the-art testing and analytical services to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Thailand’s aquaculture industry,” she said. “It will serve as a core mechanism for driving innovation in aquatic animal health, as well as a platform for the development and testing of certified products—contributing to safer, more sustainable, and competitive aquaculture systems in the country.”
Dr. Nirawat Thammajak, Executive Director of PMU-B, added that the BSL-2 facility represents one of Thailand’s key biological research infrastructures dedicated to aquaculture, providing comprehensive biosafety-level 2 capabilities. “PMU-B is committed to strengthening Thailand’s research and innovation capacity to meet the needs of key national industries, including agriculture and aquaculture,” he noted. “We believe this laboratory will be instrumental in positioning Thailand as a regional innovation hub for biotechnology in aquaculture across ASEAN, delivering tangible benefits to the national aquaculture sector.”
The Advanced Aquatic Animal BSL-2 Laboratory offers a one-stop service for vaccine, immunostimulants, and bio-based product testing to support both researchers and private companies in product development, pathogen diagnostics, and aquatic disease prevention. The facility is fully equipped with comprehensive biosafety infrastructure, including a BSL-2 aquatic animal rearing system consisting of 24 rearing tanks (220 L each) with water recirculation and temperature control, real-time monitoring and wastewater treatment systems, as well as laboratory units for algal culture, cell and virus culture, temperature-controlled shakers, benchtop bioreactors, and high-speed centrifuges—all designed to ensure precision, safety, and compliance with international standards.
For more information, please contact the Integrative Aquaculture Biotechnology Research Group, BIOTEC–NSTDA, Tel. 02-564-6700, or the Biotechnology Business Development Division, Tel. 02-564-6700 ext. 3393, E-mail: chonlada.run@biotec.or.th
