CEO... Innovator and Developer For Our Health and a Sustainable World

CEO... Innovator and Developer


For Our Health and a Sustainable World

Mr. Nithinan Leelapanwut, or "Toey," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Siam Agri Supply Co., Ltd. (SAS), summarized the companys origins:

The company has grown from being a manufacturer and supplier of agricultural products for organizations since 2011 under GMP and HACCP standards. SAS later incorporated microbial biotechnology to enhance the quality of its traditional agricultural products through dedicated research. It began with microorganisms for environmental and agricultural purposes, inspired by the desire to develop microbial-based products to benefit human, animal, and environmental health.

Innovator and Developer

Safe Food... Preventing Allergic Reactions

Mr. Toey recounted one of the companys most challenging product development journeys:

SAS initially started as a producer of animal feed ingredients. I wanted our animal feed to stand out from others. With Dr. Wichian Yongmanitchai, the companys advisor, aiming to test the effectiveness of microorganisms for livestock and water systems, and our factory managers passion for shrimp farming, we decided to create a demonstration pond using biological farming methodsfree of chemicals throughout the farming process. We mixed microbial inoculants into shrimp feed and used microorganisms to treat wastewater in the shrimp pond. The results were exceptional: the shrimp were large, heavy, and yielded high productivity per farm. This demonstration pond was the first of its kind in Thailand and attracted significant attention from visitors.

As a CEO committed to innovation and developing new business opportunities, the underlying focus of chemical-free shrimp farming was the health of those around me.

I realized that many people are allergic to shrimp; some experience swollen lips after consumption. Personally, I suspected that the cause might lie in chemical contamination at the production stagewhether upstream, midstream, or downstream. My father, who suffers from kidney disease, used to enjoy seafood but developed allergies over time. Apart from aging, I believed chemical residues could be the cause. So, when we successfully produced safe shrimp, I, my children, and my colleagues tried eating it without any allergic reactions. I also sent it to my father, and he experienced no allergic reactions either. This outcome was consistent for others who previously reported shrimp allergies. This strengthened our belief that biological farming using our companys microorganisms truly produces safe food.

Additionally, when I fell ill despite leading a healthy lifestyleregular exercise and mindful habitsit made me reflect on the risks for those who do not prioritize their health. Therefore, I felt a responsibility to produce quality, chemical-free food that promotes health. I believe this effort contributes to reducing illnesses for ourselves, our families, and our friends.

Innovation for a Better Life

Following the success of safe shrimp farming with microorganisms, this knowledge was shared widely. It reinforced our belief that microbial biotechnology could be applied to other areas of production.

We discovered that microorganisms identified by Dr. Wichian could be further utilized across livestock, rice farming, soil improvement, environmental restoration, and pet care. For example, we applied them to farmers' rice fields to address issues such as soil degradation. By collaborating with the Rice Department and the Chaipattana Foundation, we developed solutions to improve soil quality, accelerate the decomposition of rice stubble, and reduce field burning. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainable agriculture.

I firmly believe that if SAS can successfully promote beneficial microorganisms to a broader audience, Thailand will reap significant benefits. Farmers will experience improved livelihoods through reduced costs for fertilizers and pesticides, better yields, and higher incomes. This effort will also contribute to carbon credit benefits. Most importantly, it will provide Thai people with safe food, reducing the risk of diseases.

Although I have not yet reached my ultimate goals, I remain steadfast in my work philosophy: patience and dedication. I believe that perseverance and commitment will ultimately yield positive results. I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated colleagues who support and accompany me on this journey. Their collective efforts drive our company toward success.

Most importantly, this CEO firmly believes that the microbial biotechnology products developed by the companys team will positively impact the health of the Thai people and the sustainability of our planet.