THE PETROLEUM Institute of Thailand (PTIT) has proposed four strategies to make Thailand a leader in the integrated biotechnology industry within 20 years.

Siri Jirapongphan, director of the PTIT, said the Institute, in conjunction with Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration at Chulalongkorn University, had formed a special committee for the purpose of creating a long-term national strategy in this regard.

The committee will support private investments into a “new wave” industry of integrated biotechnology businesses – a so-called bio-hub.

The four strategies include the creation of a biotechnology industrial hub in a single location with close access to raw materials, incorporating production of biofuels, bio-chemicals and bio-plastics. This would include the construction of infrastructures and public services to accommodate continuous production.

Integration of all these components would increase productivity and energy efficiency. The production of fertilisers and use of recycled water in agriculture would be a bonus.

The development process is to be split into two phases.

It is estimated that Phase 1 (2018-25), using sugar cane as a raw material to produce biofuels, bio-chemicals and bio-plastics, would result in annual revenue of Bt120 billion. Phase 2 (2026-35) would utilise cassava and other applicable bio-materials, and is estimated to consume 35 million tonnes for produce per year, generating Bt500 billion in revenue annually.

Chaipong Pongpanich, director of Sasin Management Consulting, affirmed Thailand’s capabilities in terms of agricultural produce to be used as raw materials. Currently, Thailand exports 56 million tonnes of sugar annually, second only to Brazil.
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