Inauguration of “Thailand’s Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life” Exhibition

On 9 September 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with Qatar Museums, inaugurated the opening of the exhibition "Thailand's Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life" at M7 Gallery. The week-long exhibition was officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar, together with H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of the Department of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Founder of Scrap Lab at Kasetsart University, and distinguished guests.

The ceremony brought together more than 80 participants, including senior Qatari officials, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, researchers, entrepreneurs, academia, and representatives of the local media. H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, joined the event as Guest of Honour.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Swangsilpa emphasized that the exhibition reflects Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, which extends beyond an economic framework. It represents a bridge between science and local wisdom, tradition and innovation, culture and sustainability. "Sustainability is not merely a concept. It is something we can see, touch, and bring into everyday life. It is also a vision we can advance together with Qatar, through creativity, environmental stewardship, and shared values," he noted.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto presented innovative material developments derived from construction by-products, underlining the vital role of waste reclamation in sustainable design. He demonstrated how discarded materials can be transformed into high-value products, positioning Thailand as a leader in ecological innovation while exploring new avenues for Thai-Qatari collaboration.

Building on Thailand's participation in the Earthna Summit 2025, the exhibition highlights a human-centered approach to sustainability - integrating modern technology, local knowledge, and environmental responsibility. The curated displays feature eco-textiles, artisanal homeware, and lifestyle innovations, including carpets woven from upcycled plastics in traditional designs, footwear crafted from agricultural by-products, homeware made from marine debris, and fashion accessories reimagined from car tail lights and discarded medical equipment.

About the Exhibition

Beyond the materials themselves, the exhibition shines a light on the human stories behind these innovations - communities transforming challenges into opportunities, sustaining livelihoods, and preserving cultural traditions while addressing environmental concerns. The initiative aligns closely with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), particularly in advancing environmental stewardship, safeguarding cultural identity, and fostering a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. At the same time, it reflects Thailand's BCG Economy Model, which advances sustainable and inclusive growth through science, creativity, and respect for local wisdom.

The exhibition is on display at M7 Gallery from 8-14 September 2025 and is open to the public free of charge.

At a time when climate change and sustainable development are global imperatives, Thailand and Qatar reaffirm their shared commitment to environmental protection, cultural preservation, and innovation grounded in wisdom and science.

This initiative highlights the Royal Thai Embassy's commitment to promoting Thailand's research and innovation, strengthening academic and institutional cooperation between Thailand and Qatar, and reinforcing bilateral ties across political, economic, and people-to-people dimensions.