Thai rubber products have earned global acclaim for their exceptional quality and adherence to international standards. Thailand is the world’s foremost exporter of processed rubber. In 2022, rubber exports amounted to $19.1 billion, with a further $5.8 billion recorded in the first five months of 2023. While celebrating these accomplishments, the MoC actively supports Thai entrepreneurs in international trade.

In this collective undertaking, the Rubber Innovation Research Institute at Prince of Songkla University plays a pivotal role in enhancing education and efficiency in natural rubber production. The Federation of Thai Industries fosters industry connections, while the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) focuses on promoting Thai rubber products globally. Together, they drive commercial innovation, optimise rubber utilisation, and cultivate an enabling environment for growth and value creation within the Thai rubber industry.

At the project’s core, the Natural Rubber Innovation Matching Day serves as a dynamic platform for consultation between researchers and entrepreneurs. This event showcases groundbreaking innovations, including impact-absorbent rubber, fire-resistant foam rubber, revulcanised rubber derived from natural rubber gloves, and medical simulation devices for insulin injection training.

To further stimulate collaboration and raise awareness of Thai rubber innovation, a press conference and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony were held on 13 July. Additionally, plans are underway for a second Natural Rubber Innovation Matching Day, scheduled for August 31, 2023, at the DITP in Ratchadapisek, Bangkok. By leveraging research, diversifying product offerings and enhancing efficiency in rubber production, this collaborative effort propels commercialisation, boosts farmer revenue and reduces investment costs and research timelines for Thai entrepreneurs.