Thai Digital Council Member Warns Researchers May Retreat Due to Fear of Prosecution Over Commercializing Public Research

Key summary

Pathom Indarodom, a member of the Thailand Digital Council for Economy and Society (DCT), expressed concern that Thai researchers might avoid commercializing successful public-funded research due to social backlash and fear of legal accusations. He cited a specific instance where he identified a university-developed system capable of replacing expensive foreign technology but hesitated to proceed after being warned that success could lead to investigations into favoritism or misappropriation of national assets. Indarodom noted that while laws exist to promote research utilization, the prevailing social sentiment—exemplified by recent debates over 'kaphrao' (Thai basil) research profits—creates an environment where private sector investment in developing local innovations is discouraged.