On September 20, 2026, the School of Science, University of Phayao, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tipwan Suppasat, project leader, held the first hands-on workshop on "Bee Biology and Hive Management Using Proper Cavity Box Equipment" at Ban Na-ngiew, Village No. 1, Na-ngiew Subdistrict, Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province. For passing on knowledge and technology about raising Thai bees (Apis cerana) so farmers can put it into real practice.

This workshop is part of the project "Expanding to Enhance Production Efficiency and Sustainable Farmer Income Development," contract number PRP6707030910, funded by the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) under the targeted program aiming to help 20,000 farming households increase their income by 20% within 2 years through modern, suitable technology (Year 2).

The training covered everything from bee biology and hive management to using the right beehive boxes, plus plenty of hands-on practice so farmers can apply the technology to boost their bee farming efficiency and income. The project also handed out 200 sets of beehive boxes, stands, and protective bee veils to 20 farmers from the Na-ngiew Community Forest Bee Farming Group.

But it's not just about sharing tech knowledge, the project is also building a solid network of collaborations between the university, researchers, farmers, communities, and other partners. This creates space for knowledge exchange, follow-up support, and continuous scaling of technology. The ultimate goal is to develop this area into an "Apis cerana Learning Hub" a go-to learning center for Thai bees that connects research, teaching, technology transfer, career development, and biodiversity conservation, all while supporting sustainable community growth.

This work directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 1  No Poverty, SDG 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth,  SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15  Life on Land, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals. All of this happens by boosting farmers' income potential while helping conserve native bees and local ecosystems.

From research to real-world impact. From model farmers to a full learning network. That's the journey toward building the Apis cerana Learning Hub and leveling up Thai bee farming for the long run.