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Walailak University (WU) has been named an Outstanding Research Organization for 2026 by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), marking the second consecutive year the university has received the honor and reaffirming its standing among Thailand's leading research institutions.

The award was presented at the Thailand Talent Summit 2026 — the third annual gathering of the country's top research personnel, held under the theme "Fostering Thailand Future: Advancing Innovation and National Impact" — at the PEACH International Convention Center, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, in Pattaya, Chonburi province. The three-day summit, running September 23–25, drew more than 2,500 researchers from across the country.

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presided over the ceremony and presented the award to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation, who accepted on behalf of Walailak University President Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit said the university was honored to win the award for a second straight year, noting that Walailak was one of only three Thai research universities recognized on this occasion. He credited the achievement to President Sombat's policy of driving the university toward international-caliber excellence, pointing out that roughly 90 percent of WU's published research now appears in Scopus Quartile 1 and 2 journals — the highest such proportion of any university in Thailand.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vissanu Meeyoo, Deputy Director of TSRI, said Walailak's research output has improved consistently year after year and stands out for reaching beyond economic outcomes to engage communities directly, drawing local residents into efforts that drive growth both in Nakhon Si Thammarat province and nationally. One example is the university's mangosteen juice and related processed products, which are now exported to overseas markets including the Middle East — evidence of how the university's area-based research is generating impact at a national scale, reflecting TSRI's broader push to bring "research that has sat on the shelf" into practical, collaborative use that results in new, market-ready products.

The Outstanding Research Organization Award is TSRI's top honor for institutions that demonstrate excellence in managing their science, research and innovation systems. It recognizes organizations that set a benchmark for developing research talent, building collaborative networks, and translating research into tangible outcomes with measurable impact on the country.

Looking ahead, Walailak University plans to deploy artificial intelligence alongside advanced scientific and technological tools to help solve problems for communities, local authorities and businesses, with the aim of raising incomes by moving beyond low-carbon tourism and the circular economy toward a "Nature Positive" model. The direction aligns with Thailand's 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan, which rests on three pillars: restoring natural ecosystems — including marine resources, seagrass beds and mangrove forests — to replenish food sources and support local livelihoods; promoting public wellbeing alongside a healthy environment; and strengthening society and the economy to improve incomes and quality of life in local communities.