Mr. Suthiket Thatpitak-kul, Deputy Secretary?General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI); Associate Professor Dr. Unruan Leknoi, Director of the Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University; and Dr. Narin Phoawanich, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The dialogue provided a platform to exchange strategic perspectives amid global energy volatility and to examine how the oil price crisis could be transformed into growth opportunities for Thailand's bioindustry. Discussions covered the role of bioenergy in strengthening national energy security, reducing reliance on non?renewable resources, and advancing the bioeconomy toward tangible industrial and investment outcomes. The event was organized by the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, and held at the Chaloem Rajakumari 60 Building, Chulalongkorn University.
Mrs. Narupan shared insights on the use of drop-in bio-based products, emphasizing that current oil price volatility underscores Thailand's need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and highlights the strategic importance of domestically produced biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel derived from renewable feedstocks. She also addressed Thailand's readiness for future energy solutions, particularly advanced biofuels, second-generation (2G) biofuels, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which are critical to supporting long-term low-carbon aviation. In addition, she underscored the potential and value of Thailand's bioindustry to global partners, spanning sustainability, innovation, and the creation of new business opportunities.
At the same time, the panel highlighted structural challenges that continue to constrain Thailand's bioeconomy, including market mechanisms, policy frameworks, and commercialization infrastructure. The discussion emphasized the need for coordinated policy, investment, and innovation efforts, as well as cross?sector collaboration, to position the bioindustry as a new growth engine and a key pillar of economic resilience, aligned with Thailand's BCG (Bio?Circular?Green) Economy model and national energy?transition agenda.