Page 40 - FoodFocusThailand No.239 March 2026

SPECIAL FOCUS

ภาพที่่� 1 แหล่่งโปรตีีนจากแหล่่งที่ี�ไม่่ใช่่สััตีว์์ที่ี�ม่ีศัักยภาพสัำาหรับการพัฒนาเน้�อที่ดแที่น (Meat Alternatives)
Figure 1 Schematic representation of the impact of fermented foods containing probiotics

ที่่�มา / Source: Jafarzadeh et al. (2024)
pilot- and industrial-scale manufacturing, and close collaboration and reducing dependence on imported protein sources. This is
among researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders. particularly important during periods of crisis, such as disease
Nevertheless, consumer acceptance remains a key factor in outbreaks, natural disasters, or global market volatility, as
developing alternative protein products that meet target market alternative proteins help diversify national protein supplies.
expectations, particularly with respect to product image, taste, • Third, Thailand benefits from a strong and well-
and texture. Effective communication is also essential to build established food system. The country remains one of the
awareness and familiarity with health-oriented foods and insect- world’s leading food exporters. It is supported by extensive
based proteins, as well as to promote positive attitudes toward processing infrastructure, quality and safety standards,
health and environmental sustainability. As younger consumers and multi-tiered industrial networks that are well-positioned
show greater openness to novel food experiences, continued for value-added product development. Moreover, Thailand
research and development to improve sensory attributes has established linkages between upstream agricultural
comparable to conventional meat is increasingly important. producers and downstream food manufacturers. Public-sector
initiatives further support academic–industry collaboration
Strategic Directions for Thailand through research funding, technology development programs,
in the Alternative Protein Industry and investment mechanisms aimed at industrial-scale
Although North America and Europe have traditionally dominated implementation.
the alternative protein market, Asia is increasingly gaining • Fourth, the development of alternative proteins is
attention due to its development potential. Major economies highly consistent with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG)
such as China, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have Economy model, particularly in terms of the sustainable
begun investing in alternative protein production technologies, use of biological resources, resource efficiency, and reduced
including infrastructure, research and development, and related environmental impacts.
regulatory frameworks. In this context, Thailand should prioritize The alternative protein industry and the development of
the development of its alternative protein industry by leveraging value-added functional products present both opportunities
its existing strengths. and challenges for advancing Thailand’s food industry toward
• First, Thailand possesses significant raw material potential becoming a regional production base in Asia. Achieving this
and rich biodiversity. The country has access to diverse goal will require accelerated upgrades in infrastructure and
protein sources, including rice, legumes, mushrooms, algae, and industrial-scale capacity, alongside workforce development
aquatic plants, as well as extensive microbial diversity. These and stronger collaboration with the private sector.
resources can be further developed as upstream feedstocks for
the production of alternative proteins.
• Second, alternative proteins can contribute to food security
and food system resilience by enabling domestic production More Information Service Info C004
40 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND MAR 2026

22/2/2569 BE 19:17
36-40_Special Focus_�����������.indd 40 22/2/2569 BE 19:17
36-40_Special Focus_�����������.indd 40