HIGHLIGHTS

• MHESI adopts Thammasat’s “Clear Soil” innovation for post-flood recovery: A biotechnology-based soil detoxification solution developed by Thammasat University is officially deployed by MHESI and NRCT to rehabilitate contaminated farmland in flood-affected areas nationwide.
• Restores soil safety using local microorganism bioremediation technology: Clear Soil” uses indigenous beneficial microbes to transform heavy-metal residues into non-toxic forms — reducing contamination by 50–100% within one month while preserving ecological balance.
• From research to real-world Sandbox testing in disaster zones: Pilot implementations in Phetchabun and Wiang Kaen (Chiang Rai) show faster farmland recovery, improved crop readiness, and safer agricultural production compared to natural restoration.
• Advancing food safety, farmer resilience, and sustainable agriculture: The innovation strengthens disaster-response capacity, protects farmer livelihoods, and supports Thailand’s transition toward residue-free, environmentally responsible food systems.

In a significant step towards sustainable post-disaster recovery, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has officially adopted a cutting-edge agricultural innovation developed by Thammasat University — marking an important moment where research output is translated into practical tools for public benefit.

On 21 November, Mr Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of MHESI, together with the executive team of the MHESI Flood Situation Operation Centre, presided over a ceremony to receive research-based innovations from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). These innovations — including environmental restoration technologies and disaster-response solutions — are being mobilised for immediate deployment to flood-affected communities nationwide, reflecting the government’s determination to accelerate scientific assistance to vulnerable farming households.

The Highlight Innovation: “Clear Soil” 

Taking centre stage at the handover was “Clear Soil”, a pioneering biological agent designed specifically for the detoxification of soil. This breakthrough is the brainchild of Associate Professor Dr Dusit Athinuwat, a distinguished lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University. Developed with funding and strategic support from the NRCT, Clear Soil represents a triumph of Thai biotechnology applied to real-world crises.

Restoring Soil Health for Food Safety 

While floodwaters eventually recede, they often leave behind an invisible and dangerous legacy: soil contamination. Agricultural lands are frequently tainted with heavy metals and toxic substances carried by the deluge, posing a direct threat to crop quality, the health of farmers, and consumer food safety.

“Clear Soil” was developed to tackle this precise challenge. It utilises local microorganism technology—beneficial microbes indigenous to the environment—which possess the unique ability to digest, degrade, or transform heavy metal residues in the soil into non-toxic forms that do not harm plants. This process, known as bioremediation, restores the soil’s ecological balance naturally.

Proven Efficiency — Fast, Practical, and Farmer-Ready

Field experiments and real-world pilot programmes have demonstrated strong performance. Clear Soil is capable of reducing heavy-metal concentrations in contaminated soil by 50% to 100% within approximately one month, depending on initial contamination levels and environmental conditions.

Equally important is its ease of application. No specialised machinery or technical expertise is required — farmers simply mix the microbial agent with water and spray it across the affected area. The microorganisms then work autonomously beneath the soil surface, accelerating natural recovery processes that would otherwise take years.

This design reflects a key research principle behind the innovation: technology should empower farmers, not burden them.

From Lab to Land: Elevating Thai Agricultural Standards

The NRCT has actively supported the expansion of this research from the laboratory to “Sandbox” testing in real disaster zones. Pilot projects have already been successfully implemented in:

• Phetchabun Province: Helping vegetable and crop farmers recover their land.
• Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province: Specifically revitalising famous Pomelo orchards damaged by flooding.

The results in these areas have been overwhelmingly positive, proving that the treated soil returns to a state suitable for cultivation much faster than natural recovery would allow.

A Commitment to ‘Innovation for the People’ 

The deployment of “Clear Soil” is not merely an act of immediate relief; it is a strategic move to lay the foundation for a safer, residue-free agricultural system in Thailand. It underscores Thammasat University’s unwavering mission to create “Innovation for the People”—transforming complex scientific knowledge into tangible, practical solutions that solve real problems and elevate the quality of life for all Thais.