July 23, 2026, Auditorium A and B, M Floor, Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), Bangkok:
The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Assistance Program (ITAP), NSTDA, and the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), organized the seminar “Future Timber Design 2026: Economic Timber and the Future of Thai Architecture.” The event aimed to raise awareness and foster a new understanding of Thai economic timber’s potential as a future construction material, while connecting knowledge of materials, technology, and standards with sustainable architectural design for architects, designers, entrepreneurs, and interested members of the public.
Today, economic timber is no longer viewed solely as decorative or locally sourced material. It can also serve as a construction material for contemporary architecture, offering advantages in aesthetics, quality, standards, sustainability, and reduced environmental impact. However, the use of Thai economic timber still faces several limitations, including insufficient connectivity across the supply chain among growers, producers, processors, and designers, limited access to technical information, and misconceptions about timber applications. At the same time, advances in wood technology and engineered wood have made timber a high-quality, standardized construction material suitable for a wide range of applications, from interior decoration and building envelopes to small-scale structures and prefabricated building systems.
Assoc. Prof. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of MTEC, presided over the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of integrating science, technology, and innovation to elevate Thai economic timber into a future material that supports national development and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The seminar featured discussions and presentations by experts from a range of fields.
- Assoc. Prof. Songklod Jarusombuti, a timber expert, delivered a presentation titled “Timber as the Future of Design,” highlighting global trends in timber use in architecture and opportunities for Thai economic timber in international markets.
- Dr. Thipjak Na Lampang, Head of the Sustainable Wood Engineering Research Team at MTEC, presented “Thai Economic Timber Innovation, Engineered Wood, Certification Standards and Legal Requirements,” highlighting the role of research in advancing wood technologies and developing standards to support practical applications.
- Lecturer Suntan Viengsima, specialist at the Architectural Wood Research and Design Center, Faculty of Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, delivered a presentation entitled “Timber Architectures and Roles of Architects in Realizing Environmental Sustainability,” addressing the role of timber architecture and architects in advancing environmental sustainability.
- Mr. Nattawin Phongphetarat, Director of TPS Garden Furniture Co., Ltd., presented “High-Value Products Beyond Furniture: Engineering Deck for Sustainability under the Carbon Sink Concept,” sharing experience in developing value-added timber products that support the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
The event also featured a presentation on research and development support services to improve production efficiency and add value to timber, delivered by Ms. Pavinee Anusornseree, Senior Consultant, Industry Innovation and Technology Assistance Program Division (ITAP), NSTDA. She introduced support mechanisms available to entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their competitiveness through science, technology, and innovation.
Following the seminar, participants visited the Material ConneXion Bangkok @ TCDC materials library to explore material examples and innovations for design and product development. The visit offered new perspectives on combining modern materials with economic timber in sustainable architecture and design.
The Future Timber Design 2026 seminar reflects MTEC, NSTDA’s role in applying knowledge in materials, technology, and innovation to promote the efficient use of Thai economic timber. By connecting the research, industrial, and design sectors, the initiative supports the development of environmentally friendly construction materials, adds value to Thailand’s timber industry, and supports its sustainable growth.
