Tuesday August 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. – Khon Kaen University, NR Instant Produce Public Company (NRF) and Golden Triangle Health Co. Ltd. (GTH) signed an MOU for joint research, planting and extracting hemps. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of KKU signed for Khon Kaen University, Khun Dan Pathomwanit, Chairman of NRF officers and Khun Julaphas Khruasophon, Founder of GTH signed for NRF and GTH, respectively. Executives of the two companies and mass media, totaling over 70 people, attended the ceremony that took place at Sarasin Room, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University explained that Khon Kaen University has a policy to develop and utilize hemp and cannabis, which have been researched for a period of time by the Cannabis Research Institution of Khon Kaen University. The work of the center involves all faculties to take part in the research and development. The Faculty of Agriculture breeds, expands and plants the cultivars. The Faculty of Sciences extracts and analyzes the over 400 matters in the plant. After the extraction, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science develops them into medical products and cosmeceuticals. The Faculty of Medicine then selects only cannabis and studies on its use for treatment of diseases. At the Faculty of Medicine, there are 10 working groups experimenting on cannabis, which is not common for the medical circle to become this alert in experimenting this plant.
“Until the present time, we have developed all through every step. What we lack is the sector that will extensively use our outcomes for optimal benefits. Today we only talk about hemp, to be produced as foods and soft drinks. We are joining your companies in order to make real impacts for the society. With the potential of the 2 giant companies, we believe that benefits will be at a broad scale and can truly upgrade the quality of life of farmers. I always dream that hemp is a cash crop that can help Thai farmers and the world society in the future,” said KKU President.
Khun Dan Pathomwanit, Chairman of NRF revealed that the company has a policy to run business on the basis of World Conservation and not destroying the environment. After studying this plant, it was found that the rate it cleans the air does not second any other plants. Hemp grows easily, only 90 days before it can be reaped. This means that fewer steps can truly lead to reduction of world pollution. Hemp extracts, when manufactured as products, also enhance health. The company therefore decided to join Khon Kaen University to produce hemp products to sell all around the world. Hopefully the products will be globally accepted and helps Thai economy.
Khun Julaphas (Tom) Khruasophon, Founder of GTH said that after driving forward the idea to make hemp and cannabis legal in Thailand in December last year, we have obtained a new cash crop. He visited all universities in Thailand to find a suitable place to research, experiment and extract the matters in order to respond to big industries. “Finally we came to conclusion at Khon Kaen University, which is the most prepared in terms of personnel, place that meets international standards, and researchers who are willing to move with the company to the successful end.”
“Why are we a good friend with Khon Kaen University? It is because I would like to bring KKU’s products to sell in America and at our 750 branches in 36 countries. Thai products can be sold there, for example, energy drinks, cosmeceuticals, health products such as toothpaste. Khon Kaen University will be the first to take hold of the market in this regard. Benefits will be on community enterprises in Thailand. KKU products will also reach the market in Europe and America. Thanks KKU for joining us and trusting us. KKU brands will be a success. We promise we will do our best.”
In the morning, KKU administrators, Presidents of the companies and officers planted hemps at the plantation. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the hemp extracting lab before traveling back to Bangkok. Everything went on well with strict guards against Covid-19 pandemic. All wore masks, observed distancing and regularly washed hands.
News / Photos: Communications Division of Khon Kaen University
