The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has recently approved new projects in the field of advanced biotechnology, worth a combined 2.4 billion baht (around $78 million) in investment, reflecting the increased interest of local and foreign investors in the country's biotech sector.

Thai Kyowa Biotechnologies, a producer of amino acids for pharmaceuticals affiliated to Japan's Kirin Holdings, received approval for an advanced biotech project to produce Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO), a prebiotic and key ingredient in milk powder for infants and adults, helping to build immunity. 

Genepeutic Bio, a company established by doctors from the Ramathibodi hospital in Bangkok, and local investors, received approval for a project to develop and produce an innovative treatment for patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Fruita Biomed, a company related to Thailand's Fruita Natural, a food and beverage producer and exporter, received approval for a project to produce PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) bioplastic and PHA bioplastic compound developed from organic waste. The company will use the PHA bioplastic to make a wide range of packaging products for food and medical supply as well.

Baiya Phytopharm, a Thai startup linked to the CU Innovation Hub, the incubator setup by Bangkok's well known Chulalongkorn University, received approval for a project to develop and produce biopharmaceuticals, including plant-based vaccines and therapeutic proteins, using molecular pharming technology.

Image caption- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Secretary General Duangjai Asawachintachit