On September 17, 2026, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and Thailand's Royal Forest Department (RFD) held a signing ceremony for a work plan developed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on research cooperation.

This project is an international collaborative research initiative aimed at evaluating the climate change adaptability of major forestry tree species in Southeast Asia and developing breeding programs for varieties adapted to changing climatic conditions. In Thailand, the project will focus primarily on teak and Thai rosewood, and is scheduled to continue through March 2033. The work plan consists of three research themes: 1-Evaluation of superior forest genetic resources adapted to climate change and enhancement of breeding technologies, 2-Characterization of clone-specific wood properties in important forest genetic resources, and 3-Development of a breeding database for high-value timber species.

At the ceremony, representatives from JIRCAS and RFD presented the project overview. On behalf of their respective organizations, Dr. HAYASHI Keiichi, Program Director for Environment and Resources at JIRCAS, and Mr. Kamthorn Suwanawech, Director of the Forest Research and Development Office at RFD, signed and exchanged copies of the work plan.

Going forward, the two institutions will advance joint research under this work plan to develop superior forest genetic resources adapted to climate change and to promote the breeding of high-value timber species.