Songkhla Rubber Research Center is a key research institution under the Rubber Division, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. It is considered one of the most important rubber research organizations in southern Thailand, playing a national-level role in the integrated development of the rubber industry.

Its operations cover four main areas of in-depth research:

Rubber breeding
Focusing on selecting and developing rubber clones with high latex yield, strong environmental adaptability, and resistance to major diseases such as the emerging leaf fall disease (Pestalotiopsis), which is a significant issue in southern Thailand.

Production technology and soil management
Studying fertilizer application based on soil analysis to reduce production costs, and developing appropriate tapping systems to extend the productive lifespan of rubber trees.

Plant protection
Operating specialized entomology and plant pathology laboratories to monitor and control pests and diseases, including those influenced by climate change.

Innovation and rubber processing
Researching primary and secondary rubber processing such as high-quality smoked rubber sheets and developing rubber-based products for industrial and engineering applications.

The center is located on over 800 rai of land at the foothills of Khao Kho Hong. It contains extensive rubber clone collections, serving as an important gene bank for long-term research and future breeding programs.

It also functions as a technology transfer hub for farmers and entrepreneurs through training programs and demonstrations of modern rubber production technologies and machinery.

In addition, the center plays a role in quality control and standardization of rubber production to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the global market. It also collaborates with research institutes and universities such as Prince of Songkla University to transform research outputs into commercially viable innovations.

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How to Get There

• By car: From Hat Yai city center, take Kanchanawanich Road (Highway 4) heading toward Songkhla Province. The center is located on the right-hand side near the Kho Hong intersection.

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Travel Tips

• it is recommended to contact the center in advance if visiting as a group or requesting a guided tour, as some areas are restricted for research purposes.

• Visitors should dress modestly and wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for natural terrain.

• Mosquito repellent and insect protection are advised, especially when walking through plantation or experimental field areas with dense vegetation.

• It is best to avoid visiting during the hottest hours of the day, as the site is large and involves significant outdoor walking.

• For photography or academic data collection, visitors should check with staff first, as certain zones may have restrictions.

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Admission Fee:

• Free for general public areas. Some laboratory or restricted research zones may require prior permission.

Opening Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 08:30–16:30

• Closed on weekends and public holidays