July 19, 2018, — BIOTEC/ NSTDA, and Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine signed an MOU on the utilization of science, technology and innovation to promote Thai herbal industries in ‘13 Herbal Cities’. Representing NSTDA/ BIOTEC were Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, NSTDA Executive Vice President and Dr. Somvong Tragoonrung, BIOTEC Executive Director. Representing Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine were Dr. Kiattipoom Wongrachit, MD, Director General, and Pharm.D. Somnuk Suchaitanavanich, Director, Traditional Thai Medicine Development Center.
BIOTEC is responsible for the development of analytical techniques used for quality control of Thai herbs from raw material production to dissemination of the developed technique to relevant personnel. These activities are carried out in support of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine in an effort to turn raw herbal ingredients into high quality potent supplement at a pilot scale. Through the utilization of S&T, BIOTEC also provide support in value creation of Thai herbs and to encourage the use of high quality herbs in herbal industry, especially in 13 Herbal Cities. The platform to assist and support manufacturing process for the herbal industry will also be established.
The signing ceremony was held as a satellite event of the 15th National Herb Expo, organized by the Department of Thai Tradition and Alternative Medicine and its partners during July 18-21, 2018 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.