University donates 3,000 long-life meals to flood-affected communities

BANGKOK, 5 OCTOBER 2026 —

Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has delivered 3,000 boxes of ready-to-eat, long-life meals—developed under its "Grab agro" brand—to Silpakorn University for distribution to flood-affected communities in Thailand’s central and western provinces, marking the latest collaboration between Thai universities and the government to address humanitarian crises.

Higher Education Minister Yotchanan Wongsawat, who also serves as deputy prime minister, emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the role of Thai innovation in providing "practical support to society during times of crisis."

The meals, produced by PSU Agro Food Co., a subsidiary of PSU, were developed through research by Associate Professor Saowakon Watanachan and Korrwan Rodkhem of PSU’s Faculty of Agro-Industry at its Hat Yai campus. The technology behind the meals ensures sterility and extends shelf life to up to 18 months, eliminating the need for refrigeration. Each box contains a tray with separate compartments for rice and a pre-packaged dish, allowing immediate consumption without preparation.

The menu includes seven varieties: chicken massaman curry with rice, chicken panang curry with rice, sour curry with mackerel and rice, spicy fried catfish with rice, garlic chicken with rice, green chicken curry with rice, and chicken stir-fried with holy basil and rice. All products hold Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Halal certification, ensuring compliance with safety and dietary standards.

The delivery was led by PSU President Assistant Professor Niwat Kaewpradap, Vice-President for Student Development Associate Professor Wirot Yuroong, and Acting Director of the Division of Student Development Yaowalak Kunaworakul. They handed the meals to Silpakorn University representatives, including Vice-President for Student Affairs Associate Professor Supachai Tawi­chai and Acting Director of the Division of Student Affairs Wipada Poolthep.

Silpakorn University’s student council members have established a volunteer center in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Suphan Buri to pack relief bags, further amplifying the distribution effort.

Minister Yotchanan highlighted the contributions of PSU’s management team and Silpakorn University’s student volunteers, who are actively involved in packing and distributing relief supplies.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting "Thai research and innovation as a force to help take care of people and work together to repair, rebuild, and overcome every crisis." The initiative builds on PSU’s expertise in disaster-relief food products, which the university has refined since 2011, positioning it as a key player in Thailand’s preparedness for natural disasters.

For those wishing to contribute to flood relief efforts, the Silpakorn University Student Council has provided contact details: 065-708-9935 or 098-474-4288, along with instructions to reach out via the council’s social media channels. Donations of drinking water, canned food, medicines, and personal necessities are being accepted to supplement the university-led distribution.

The latest delivery follows Thailand’s ongoing flooding crisis, which has disrupted communities in central and western regions, including Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Suphan Buri. While the government and non-profit organizations typically lead relief efforts, this collaboration between PSU and Silpakorn University reflects a growing trend of academic institutions taking direct roles in humanitarian response, leveraging their research capabilities to address immediate needs.

The success of the long-life meal distribution may serve as a model for future disaster preparedness initiatives in Thailand, particularly as climate-related challenges intensify.