Thailand Research Expo 2024 returns with the theme "Research Synergy For The Sustainable Development Of Thai Economy And Society". The annual event was organised by the National Research Council of Thailand, the Ministry of Higher Education Science, Research and Innovation and research networks from various sectors. It takes place at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld until Aug 30.
Asst Prof Thanakrit Kaewpilarom, lecturer at the Department of Pattern and Garment Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep.
Among the 1,000 studies, there are two that stand out for the goal of a sustainable society -- "Muay Thai Muang Lung" by Thaksin University and "Development of Handmade Garments Using Yarn Spun from Sugarcane and Filagen Fibers for Fashion Design" by Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep.
Clothes made from sugarcane residue and filagen fibres.
Wiparat De-ong, executive director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), said the NRCT has supported muay Thai by developing a hub of talents and a hub of knowledge which play a crucial part in driving Thailand to become the centre of excellence in science, research and innovation in domestic and international levels. These hubs support networks of researchers to address and solve issues and enhance the competitive capacity of the country.
"The NRCT has fostered the development of muay Thai researchers by integrating both local and international networks, with the goal of globally promoting the unique aspects of muay Thai and providing innovative technologies," said Wiparat.
Additionally, Wiparat noted that sugarcane fashion design showcases Thailand's modern, creative and eco-friendly image.
"The research, 'Development of Handmade Garments Using Yarn Spun from Sugarcane and Filagen Fibers for Fashion Design', transforms agricultural waste into trendy fashion products. This demonstrates Thai researchers' creativity and environmental awareness. Not only are sugarcane fibre products eco-friendly, but they also add value to the fashion industry and enhance Thailand's reputation as a creative and environmentally conscious nation," said Wiparat.
Sugarcane and Filagen for Fashion Design
Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep
Assoc Prof Samak Kaewsuksaeng, centre, acting director of the Research and Innovation Institute, Thaksin University.
Sugarcane research began when Asst Prof Thanakrit Kaewpilarom -- lecturer at the Department of Pattern and Garment Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep -- and his team conducted research about a sugarcane harvesting machine and a sugarcane leaf rolling machine in Suphan Buri. Researchers found that the machines left behind a residue of branches and leaves.
"Farmers have to burn this crop residue because if they do not clear the field, new sugarcane cannot grow through. When researchers and I visited the field, we saw a lot of smoke, so we decided to find a way to utilise this agricultural waste," explained Asst Prof Thanakrit.
After Asst Prof Thanakrit experimented with dried sugarcane leaves, trying different methods to extract the fibres, he discovered that heating the leaves and adding a small amount of sodium hydroxide worked well. However, since sugarcane fibre is stiff, he had to search for another fibre to mix with it.
"I added hydroxide to reduce the rigidity of the residue, but it remained stiff because the residue was very dry. I decided to search for another substance which was soft and light to blend with the residue in a suitable proportion," said Asst Prof Thanakrit.
Filagen, an innovative collagen substance which is extracted from marine fish scales, became the choice for Asst Prof Thanakrit.
"Filagen has been promoted by the Thailand Textile Institute as it is an innovative fibre. Filagen has the qualities of being soft, light and it contains UV protection, so I decided to mix it with the residue," said Asst Prof Thanakrit.
"I experimented using various blends of filagen and sugarcane residue. I discovered that we could make fabrics that could be made into clothing, jackets and home textiles -- like lampshades and carpets."
Readymade clothes and neckties made from sugarcane residue and filagen fibres are now available at the Thailand Research Expo 2024. The products currently appear in earth tones -- their original colour, since the dyeing process is still in the experimental stage.
"Young people in Suphan Buri communities are interested in making fabrics from this residue because it is a much faster process than traditional processes, such as for making silk. People in the community can produce 10m of fabric in just one week and earn about 600 to 800 baht per metre," said Asst Prof Thanakrit.
"I am glad that our research team could create a way for the community to earn money. This is a great alternative that helps the local economy, reduces agricultural waste and can lead to sustainable jobs and income."
Muay Thai Muang Lung
Thaksin University
After the Covid-19 pandemic, more than half of the muay Thai gyms in Phatthalung went out of business. Assoc Prof Samak Kaewsuksaeng, vice-president for Research and Innovation and acting director of the Research and Innovation Institute, Thaksin University, worried that the number of gyms would continue to decrease and could cause Phatthalung muay Thai to decline. As a result, he teamed up with researchers to conduct a situation review of all muay Thai gyms in the province.
"Our research received funds from the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development for 15 months. Researchers collected data about people involved at muay Thai gyms such as boxers, trainers, entrepreneurs and musicians," explained Assoc Prof Samak.
After that, Thaksin University became a network centre that connected government agencies, private organisations and researchers from various fields to work together in order to enhance the quality of muay Thai gyms.
"From a total of 20 gyms in Phatthalung, there are only seven or eight that meet the standards and have trainers with official certification. Additionally, most boxers have financial difficulty, so we had to think about how to help them earn money from their skills," explained Assoc Prof Samak.
One result from the review was the launch of a new boxing course, the "Muay Thai Muang Lung Experience", which collaborates with the Dusit Princess Phatthalung Hotel.
Phatthalung's hand embroidered boxing shorts.
"We developed a three-day, a one week and a 10-day programme called, 'Muay Thai Muang Lung Experience'. We partnered with three boxing gyms which meet the standards to offer these courses. People can book a course through the Dusit Princess Phatthalung," explained Assoc Prof Samak.
Wiparat De-ong, executive director of the National Research Council of Thailand. (Photo: Thailand Research Expo 2024)
"We will help gyms to provide a great experience for international customers. This includes ensuring clear communication, clean facilities and a safe environment. At the gyms, customers will find unique boxing souvenirs and information about Phatthalung boxing. Aside from training, the course offers an opportunity to explore Phatthalung."
Neckties made from sugarcane residue and filagen fibres.
In addition to boxing courses, researchers from Thaksin University created several products related to muay Thai.
"One finished product is a rubber mat used in boxing gyms. Hand-embroidered boxing shorts made from local fabric are available from 1,000 to 2,000 baht. Our cosmetic scientists created massage oils, creams and herbal compresses which are adapted formulas from Wat Khao Aor," explained Assoc Prof Samak.
The next step is to collaborate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai embassies in Japan and Singapore to attract international tourists. Thaksin University recently showcased Phatthalung's unique boxing style at the Thai Festival in Tokyo two months ago and will be doing so again in Singapore next month.
"The Tokyo showcase was a great success and we hope Phatthalung muay Thai will be well received by Singaporeans. Our project aims to collaborate with both government and private organisations to help gyms become self-reliant. By becoming financially stable and offering more activities, boxing gyms can create jobs for people as well as boost the local economy," said Assoc Prof Samak.
Products related to Phatthalung boxing Thailand Research Expo 2024
