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The country’s formal directions for bio-industry were placed under the National Biotechnology Policy Framework 2004–2009 with targets to bring about investment in biotechnology research and development of over US$ 125 million and emergence of over 100 new companies in biotechnology business. The Board of Investment of Thailand has been creating a positive environment for local and international industries by providing a maximum benefit privileges to biotechnology-related investments. Until 2009, there are 120 new emerging biotechnology companies in Thailand, 48 % of which is in medical area. The Revenue Department also provides concession enabling companies to deduct up to 200 % of eligible expenditure incurred on R&D activities from assessable income when lodging their tax returns. About 9 research and development centers have been newly established in private sector until 2009. Government agencies and universities provide supporting services to stimulate biotechnology businesses. R&D infrastructures such as Biopark in the expansion phase of
Thailand science Park will be operational in 2010. The National Science and Technology Development Agency, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Science and BOI under the direction of Ministry of Industry are major agencies committed to strengthening Thailand’s competiveness in Biotechnology. In 2006, it has been reported
that the number of high school student in science is 2.3 times higher than those in social science, whereas the number of science student in bachelor degree turns to be 3 times lower than that of social science student. A number of universities, both in Bangkok and up-country are offering biotechnology degree. From the survey conducted in 2002, there were 700 student students per year who graduates from 15 biotechnology programs in 15 universities with the average enrolled credit of 134. It is also noticed that there were wide-variety of the programs, specifically in the major courses, in which the subjects very much depend on expertise of each university. The survey also revealed that 60 % of biotechnology graduate was employed, the rest was either continuing study for master degree and running their own business. 32% of those employed graduate was in private sector.