Thailand has positioned “Future Food” as one of its new S-Curve industries, a strategic pillar for driving national transformation across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. With a target to expand the industry’s value from 330 billion THB to 500 billion THB by 2030, the government is advancing policies that promote investment, R&D, regulatory reform, and integrated marketing strategies to strengthen competitiveness and sustainability. Among the four pillars of Thailand’s Future Food strategy—functional foods & functional ingredients, personalized and medical foods, organic and whole foods, and alternative proteins—the alternative protein sector has emerged as a frontier of innovation. This sector, encompassing plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated protein products, presents high potential for value creation, sustainability, and export growth. However, it also demands new supply chains, robust R&D, and a skilled workforce to achieve global standards in taste, nutrition, safety, and affordability.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), together with Food Innopolis (Kasetsart University) and the Good Food Institute Asia Pacific (GFI-APAC), have jointly initiated a dialogue to identify gaps and opportunities strategic for Thailand’s alternative protein ecosystem.

Three priority areas have been identified for development:

1. Research & Development (R&D): Thailand’s scientific base in microbial fermentation, plant protein extraction, and cell biology is strong, but scaling and commercialization remain challenges. Establishing specialized microbial and cell line libraries, along with industry–academia research platforms, will accelerate innovation and reduce reliance on imported technologies.
2. Workforce Development: The country needs more bioprocess engineers, extrusion experts, flavor scientists, and regulatory specialists. Developing specialized training, linking skill development with market needs, and attracting international experts are key to building a future-ready workforce.
3. Infrastructure Development: Current facilities are mostly lab-scale. Expanding to pilot- and commercial-scale production, upgrading to GMP-certified fermentation hubs, and fostering partnerships with global CDMOs will enhance Thailand’s innovation and manufacturing capabilities.

With strategic policy direction, investment in innovation infrastructure, and targeted workforce upskilling, Thailand can establish itself as a future food innovation. Collaboration across government, academia, and industry will be essential to strengthen competitiveness, attract international partnerships, and drive the growth of a bio-based food economy that supports both human health and planetary sustainability.