Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS)
22nd Fl. CMMU Building, 69 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road
Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok, 10400
Phone: +662 644 5499
Fax: +662 644 9538
Contact: Dr. Kitima Yuthavong, Vice President,
Biotechnology is a priority sector for Thailand and as such is receiving substantial R&D funding from the government. R&D activities are the backbone of the biotechnology agency base in Thailand, which is mainly restricted to government-sponsored research organizations. The agency in the public sector includes research institutions, university research departments and government departments. Key clusters within the bioindustry in Thailand include the agri-biotech sector, the Medical sector and the Food sector. The best potential for Thailand biotechnology products and technology lies in agro-industry, rapid diagnostic kits and pharmaceutical/health care especially for infectious and tropical diseases.
There are about 70 Bio-businesses where 30 of them are new bio-businesses and 40 are companies investing in biotechnology R&D. In 2006, there are 424 R&D personnel in health sector, 935 in agriculture sector, 209 in environment sector, and 1,252 in bio-industry sector.
Biotech Products |
Actual Consumption In 1998 |
Actual Consumption In 2005 |
Healthcare Products |
5,555 (26) |
6,460 (29) |
Agricultural Products (incl. Seeds, fertilizer, herbicide) |
810 (4) |
973 (4) |
Food industry |
15,250 (71) |
15,210 (67) |
Total |
21,615 (100) |
22,643(100) |
The government remains the driving force of research and development in Thailand. Government funding has supported much of the work done at universities and research institutions. In 2003, total R&D expenditures available to the universities in Thailand amounted to approximately $ 40.6 million. Government expenditure on R&D was mainly on development of agriculture, forestry and fishing, with lesser amounts on promotion of industrial development, environment, and health care. Over the period 2003 – 2009 the government plans to increase RD&E funding to $ 412.5 Million. The private sector, through various incentives and collaborative schemes, will allocate up to $125 Million in RD&E investment. In each year the universities produced science and technology graduate more than 50,000, in 2002 produced graduates 57,155 – 49,330 at Bachelor level, 7,073 at Masters Level, and only 152 at doctoral level.
As for the tax incentive, Board of Investment (BOI) grants tax incentives on imports or machinery and equipment for use in R&D and exempts 70 percent of a project’s income tax for three years. The BOI also offers zero tax for eight years for four kinds of biotechnology business. If a business locates in the Thailand Science Park, it will also get a 50-percent reduction in income tax for another five years. The BOI can also grant non-tax incentives such as land ownership right for foreign investors, permission to bring in foreign expert and technicians, and rapid processing of visa and work permit applications (often with a one-stop, same-day service). Companies with research and development activities can also apply for 200% tax exemptions on R&D activities from the Thai Revenue Department. Financing biotechnology businesses in Thailand can come in various channels. Grants and soft loan are available to SMEs via government agencies and banks. There are also a number of private venture capitalists in Thailand who are willing to partner with high-potential bio-businesses.
In 2003 the Thai government has issued the National Policy Framework for Biotechnology (2004-2009) to underscore the vital role to be played by biotechnology in Thailand’s national economic and social development. To support the goals of this national policy, various government agencies and other organizations are empowered to offer arrange of incentives for biotech investors. (http://www.biotec.or.th/biotechnology-en/policy.asp)
Thailand does have specific science and technology cluster dedicated to research and development for commercial applications. Chief among these is the Thailand Science Park (see reference) which incorporate a biotechnology park with incubation, laboratory and pilot plant space for biotechnology start-ups. The fully integrated parks offer service such as professional researchers, shared equipment, soft loans, tax incentives and various supporting programs to help new companies get a good start. Most importantly, office space and utilities are very reasonably priced compared with other countries in the region.
To create a supportive infrastructure for biotechnology industry development, the Thai Government has been actively seeking to improve the laws governing the industry. In particular, it is upgrading laws to provide a more favorable environment for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property, a vital element for the growth of biotechnology.
1. Bio Thailand / every 2 years / National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and S.L.M. Management Co., Ltd.
2. BioAsia 2007 Thailand / first time (7-9 November 2007) / National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and S.L.M. Management Co., Ltd.
Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences is the national focal point for knowledge and investment management in life sciences for health. We collaborate with both governmental institutions and public or private organizations and companies to initiate and/or foster businesses in life sciences for health.
Agricultural Research and Development Agency
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
National Science and Technology Development Agency