On 4 November 2026, Walailak University, through its Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), participated in a meeting to discuss the feasibility of establishing a Herbal Extract and Herbal Products Pilot Plant at Walailak University. The meeting was held at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Cultural Office, with Mr. Theerapong Chuaychu, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, presiding over the meeting. Representatives from government agencies, academics, researchers, and relevant organizations also attended to discuss collaborative approaches to developing and adding value to local herbal resources.
The meeting marked an important step in strengthening collaboration between Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, and Walailak University. The proposed pilot plant aims to serve as a key mechanism for connecting research, technology, and innovation with the industrial-scale development and processing of herbal products. Its proposed operations would cover the entire production chain, from raw material cultivation and quality and safety testing to active compound extraction, product formulation, manufacturing, and market development.
The initiative will be driven under the concept of “NAKHON SI SANDBOX,” envisioned as a central facility supporting networks of community-based herb growers and processors. It will focus on transforming the province’s high-potential natural resources and medicinal plants into high-value products. Target herbs include cardamom, nutmeg, gotu kola, and mangosteen. Particular attention will also be given to utilizing mangosteen peels, an agricultural by-product, as a valuable raw material for developing herbal extracts and innovative products through appropriate research and extraction technologies.
The proposed pilot plant represents a significant opportunity to leverage Walailak University’s strengths in science, technology, and innovation to support the comprehensive development of the herbal industry. It is expected to strengthen connections among farmers, community-based raw material producers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industrial partners while promoting product quality and standards, increasing agricultural value, and creating new career and income opportunities for local communities.
This collaborative initiative reflects Walailak University’s commitment to translating research and innovation into practical applications that address regional economic and social development needs. It also supports the growth of the Wellness Economy and lays the groundwork for a competitive and sustainable herbal industry in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
📅November 4, 2026