The 1st Tokyo International Hemp Conference

RPAH Research Center, led by APA Industries Co., Ltd., recently joined the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA) in a significant trip to Japan, attending the inaugural 1st Tokyo International Hemp Conference and participating in Business Matching at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. This event took place from September 23 to 29, 2024, with the primary goal of raising awareness in Japan and globally about Thailand's potential in the hemp industry. The initiative aims to propel Thailand's hemp market onto the international stage, securing global recognition and maximizing economic benefits.

Mr. Prapon Kulphaisal, Board of Directors, RPAH Research Center and CEO, APA Industries, Co. Ltd., and delegation presented their research at the 1st Tokyo International Hemp Conference which held from September 24 to 26, 2024 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho-Kan, Minato-ku, Japan. The conference gathered renowned experts from the U.S., Europe, and Asian countries like China, Korea, India, Pakistan, and Thailand. These experts exchanged knowledge and insights on the current state of the global hemp industry and explored potential collaborations. Mr. Sornmonton Kulphaisal, COO of APA Industries on behalf of Board of Directors, RPAH Research Center shared RPAH Research in a talk titled “Current situation of the hemp industry in Southeast Asia and its potential as a medicine” alongside notable figures Dr.Kwanjai Visittanon, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, and Dr.Supaporn Meelap, an expert in aesthetic and integrative medicine from Unjai Medical Clinic Co., Ltd.

On September 27, 2024, a Business Meeting titled “Potential of International Hemp & CBD Market” was held at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Kittiphan Bangyikhan, Minister-Counsellor (Industrial ), graciously delivered a speech on the topic of “International Cooperation in Driving the Hemp Industry” in collaboration with the Office of Industrial Affairs, focusing on promoting global partnerships to advance the hemp industry.

Professor Hitoshi Sato, PhD., President of the Japan Industrial Hemp Association (JIHA), gave an insightful presentation on Japan's regulations, laws, and the future of its hemp industry. He also announced the formation of the Asian Industrial Hemp Federation, a cooperative alliance between countries such as Japan, Thailand, the U.S., Korea, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, and China, among others.

Over 20 Japanese businesses and organizations attended the event. Mr. Prapon Kulphaisal delivered a brief address, summarizing RPAH Research Center’s mission and vision for advancing hemp research, and reaffirming Thailand’s position as a leader in the burgeoning hemp industry.