At NIPPON HAKU BANGKOK 2026, held on 28 August 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Dr. Nattanai Khunanusont, Senior Researcher at the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and Vice President of the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA), was presented with the Thailand-Japan Friendship Honorary Award 2026 by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand.
The award recognises individuals who have made notable contributions to advancing friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Japan, particularly in science and technology.
Dr. Nattanai’s ties with Japan began during his academic journey as a Royal Thai Government scholar at Tokyo Institute of Technology, now the Institute of Science Tokyo, where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Material and Chemical Technology. He also served as President of the Thai Students’ Association in Japan under the Royal Patronage, helping strengthen connections between Thai and Japanese communities from an early stage in his career.
He has since built on that foundation through his work at NSTDA, developing recognised expertise in energy storage systems, with a focus on lithium-ion battery innovation, direct battery regeneration, and the application of supercritical fluid technology in clean energy materials.
In addition to his research, Dr. Nattanai has contributed to NSTDA’s broader mission by fostering collaboration among academic, government, and industry partners in Thailand and Japan. His work has helped advance cooperation in key areas such as end-of-life battery management, battery passport systems, and swappable battery platforms, supporting the transition towards a circular economy and a low-carbon society.
This recognition reflects Dr. Nattanai’s long-standing commitment to Thailand-Japan cooperation and underscores the role of NSTDA researchers in turning international experience, partnerships, and expertise into impactful research and innovation for Thailand.