From August 15 to 23, 2026, the Thailand National Science and Technology Fair 2026 (NST Fair 2026) was held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) of Thailand. This annual event is Thailand’s largest science and technology exhibit, aimed at promoting public interest in science and technology and providing children, youth, and visitors of all ages with hands-on learning opportunities. Approximately 200,000 visitors, primarily local elementary, junior high, and high school students, attended the nine-day exhibition.

The Japan Pavilion, overseen by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, featured exhibits from the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), the Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP) of Kyoto University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Chulalongkorn University, and the Origami Airplane Association.

JIRCAS showcased its research achievements, including its “long-term continuous field experiments in tropical upland cropping systems,” and the warm-climate forage grass “Isan.”
In addition, JIRCAS prepared illustrated two-page comic-style materials introducing “DOA Khon Kaen 4,” a recommended Thai sugarcane variety whose development was supported by JIRCAS, and its technology for preventing liquefaction of fermented rice noodles
Using these materials, JIRCAS researchers explained their research findings in an easy-to-understand manner to elementary, junior high, and high school students, attracting strong interest from many visitors.

The opening was attended by Prof. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI, who presented JIRCAS with a commemorative plaque in recognition of its contributions to science and technology education.