Phuket Rajabhat University (PKRU) Establishes an Andaman Stingless Bee Network to Elevate the Community Economy Toward Sustainability

On 6 February 2026, Phuket Rajabhat University, through the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and the Andaman Natural Farming Center, organized the activity “Building the Andaman Stingless Bee Network: Elevating the Community Economy Toward Sustainability,” along with a seminar on the future direction of stingless bee farming in the Andaman region and a training session on stingless bee species and the products derived from each species.

The event was presided over and officially opened by Dr. Manop Chachiyo, Vice President of Phuket Rajabhat University, who also delivered a welcome address to participants at Khunying Kanchana Na Ranong Meeting Room, Convention Center, Phuket Rajabhat University.

This initiative was inspired by the university’s recognition of the importance of stingless bees as a valuable resource in the Andaman region. The university has actively provided academic services to strengthen the grassroots economy through stingless bee farming training across various agencies and faculties, including the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. As a result, several stingless bee farming groups have been established throughout the Andaman area. The Faculty of Agricultural Technology therefore identified the need to further develop and connect these groups to ensure the long-term sustainability of stingless bee farming.

The primary objective of this seminar was to establish a collaborative network among local stingless bee farmers and to enhance the community economy through systematic knowledge exchange. The program consisted of two main components:

A hands-on workshop focusing on Andaman stingless bee species, species selection, and product processing techniques—such as honey, propolis, and pheromones—to add value to community products.

A panel discussion titled “In-Depth Analysis of Challenges and Solutions: Driving Stingless Bee Farming in the Andaman Region Toward Sustainability,” which addressed group management, knowledge transfer, and the development of support networks among government agencies, the private sector, and the university.

The program also featured a panel discussion titled “In-Depth Analysis of Challenges and Solutions: Driving Stingless Bee Farming in the Andaman Region Toward Sustainability.” The discussion addressed group management, knowledge transfer, and the development of support networks among government agencies, the private sector, and university.

On this occasion, the organizing committee was honored to welcome distinguished speakers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orawan Duangphakdee and Mr. Preecha Rod-im, along with model farmers who shared their experiences. Participants included Mr. Sutee Pankwan, President of Baan Nai Community Enterprise Beekeeping Group and Phuket Stingless Bee Conservation Community Enterprise; Mr. Sawat Pikultong from the Baan Bang Nu Stingless Bee Group; and Ms. Supaporn Yotharak from the Ban Thonglang Honeybee and Stingless Bee Learning Center.