The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) held a press conference to announce its readiness to organize the "National Science and Technology Fair 2026" under the main theme "Intelligence in Science for a Sustainable Future."
The event aims to leverage scientific power to solve real-world societal issues, elevate the country's high-competency workforce, and showcase Thailand's readiness to host world-class international conferences for science center and museum networks. The fair will take place from 15-23 August 2026 at Halls 9-11, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), together with Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, and Mr. Suwarong Wongsiri, Acting Director of the National Science Museum (NSM), jointly held a press conference to announce the readiness for the National Science and Technology Fair 2026. The press conference was attended by MHESI executives and key partner organizations at the Press Conference Room, 1st Floor, Phra Chom Klao Building, Office of the Permanent Secretary, MHESI.
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan stated, "MHESI attaches great importance to developing quality manpower to prepare Thailand to keep pace with global changes in an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technologies are advancing rapidly.
We aim to encourage Thai youth to possess skills in science, technology, innovation, and analytical thinking, alongside using AI creatively and ethically. This will serve as a key driving force for the economy, society, and sustainable national development.
The National Science and Technology Fair is therefore a vital mechanism of MHESI to inspire and provide opportunities for children and youth to learn through real experiences, experiment, analyze, and discover their own potential, while visualizing future educational and career pathways, particularly in fields related to AI, science, and technology, which are vital assets for the country's future."
"The National Science and Technology Fair is considered the country's largest scientific event and serves to honor the scientific talents of King Mongkut (Rama IV), the Father of Thai Science. This year, the event is held under the theme 'Intelligence in Science for a Sustainable Future,' reflecting the application of science, technology, and innovation to solve real-life challenges faced by the public across various dimensions, including health, agriculture, environment, and the development of an innovation-based economy.
It aims to concretely elevate research from laboratories for practical use in communities and manufacturing sectors, creating sustainable change and growth for the country. At the same time, MHESI prioritizes high-quality manpower development to support the new era through building an innovation ecosystem, pushing forward the 'AI for All' policy, and promoting the learning of future technologies so that youth and the public acquire 21st-century skills to leverage scientific and technological knowledge for generating opportunities and developing the country further," the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI stated.
Prof. Dr. Supachai stated, "Organizing this year's event stems from a major collaboration across a network of over 96 organizations from 8 countries, including the People's Republic of China, Denmark, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Malaysia, spanning the public sector, private sector, educational institutions, and research institutes both domestically and internationally. Together, they bring cutting-edge research achievements, innovations, and scientific knowledge to exhibit, aiming to spark ideas and create learning experiences for the Thai people.
Within the event, visitors will experience highlight exhibitions that reflect the role of science in driving the future. These include the exhibition 'AI Revolution: The New Human Edge,' which guides visitors through the potential of AI in the modern era; the exhibition 'Rare Earth: The Invisible Power,' which opens the world of rare earth minerals behind future technologies; as well as the exhibitions 'Over The Bloom' and 'The Hidden World of Rangelands,' which connect issues of biodiversity, the environment, and food security.
In addition, there are exhibitions from agencies under MHESI, such as the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), presenting the 'NRCT: Secrets Beneath the Earth' exhibition, focusing on developing Satun Province to elevate the 'Satun UNESCO Global Geopark' in an interactive format; the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (NARIT), presenting Thailand's milestone story of preparing to send the Thai-made scientific instrument payload 'CE-7 MATCH' to join a lunar exploration mission this August; the National Institute of Metrology, displaying the exhibition 'Metrology for a Sustainable Future,' featuring the verification of electrical energy in EV charging equipment; and the Department of Science Service (DSS), which brings sample innovations of future foods to display."
Meanwhile, Mr. Suwarong stated, "NSM has prepared readiness in terms of venue, facilities, and the design of interactive learning activities so that visitors of all ages can enjoy learning through hands-on experience. The fair features diverse activities that offer opportunities for everyone to think, experiment, and discover new inspirations, whether through Science Lab experiments, Coding & AI workshops, as well as special activities designed to create distinct and accessible learning experiences for everyone. This year, NSM also continues to expand opportunities to regional areas with two Regional Science Fairs held between 18 to 20 August 2026 at Maejo University in Chiang Mai Province and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. Everyone will experience fun, exciting, and inspiring scientific learning through the NSM Science Caravan packed with creative activities and experiments, alongside special exhibitions 'Wings of the Northern Tales' and 'Plern Thai Toy' that will fully engage everyone with stories, knowledge, and imagination in the world of science."
Mr. Suwarong added further, "Additionally, NSM has been honored to host two major international assemblies: the International Directors Forum 2026 (INTEDIF 2026) and the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres Conference (ASPAC Conference 2026), with 30 organizations from 20 countries worldwide participating.
These gatherings bring together executives, academics, and experts in science museums and centers from around the world to exchange knowledge and approaches for developing future learning sources, further underscoring Thailand's role as a regional center for scientific learning and communication in the Asia-Pacific."
Schools wishing to visit the fair as a group can make a reservation at the fair's website or contact NSM at 02 577 9960. Follow news, updates, and event details at www.thailandnstfair.com or Facebook: NSTFair Thailand www.facebook.com/nstfairTH or inquire at NSM, Tel. 0 2577 9960.
For further media inquiries, please contact:
- Public Relations, National Science and Technology Fair 2026
(Name + Phone Number of Company Coordinator)
- Corporate Communications Division, Office of Business Development and Networking, National Science Museum