June 13, 2025
Grand Ballroom, Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel, Bangkok
Dr. Chaiwut Gamonpilas, leader of the Food Materials Science Team at the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA, was invited to speak at the 9th Thailand Healthcare Facilities Management Excellence Seminar. He delivered a special talk titled ‘Patient Food Service Future Healthcare: Food and Nutrition for Patients with Specific Conditions and the Elderly.’ The annual seminar, held in 2025, serves as a platform for sharing best practices and knowledge on hospital support systems, including medical equipment engineering, facility management, and utility systems. This year’s event was organized around the theme ‘Decentralized Healthcare and the Role of Healthcare Facilities Management (HFM) Services.’
At the seminar, MTEC–NSTDA also presented its research in food materials science, including:
– IDDSI Flow Tester and Fork Tester: Tools used to evaluate food viscosity levels based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI), ensuring safe consumption for individuals with swallowing difficulties.
– Food products made for older adults or those with chewing and swallowing difficulties: Innovative solutions designed to meet their nutritional needs and accommodate their physical limitations.
– Rheology-modifying agent from sweet basil seed mucilage: A natural ingredient developed to improve food texture, offering a new option for preparing foods suitable for patients and the elderly.
MTEC–NSTDA’s participation in the event reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing research in food materials science, with a focus on improving the quality of life, especially for patients and older adults. MTEC aims to provide access to high-quality, safe nutrition, aligning with the growing needs of an aging population and the evolving demands of future healthcare systems.
