Dr. Pairach Piboonrungroj is an Assistant Professor of Economics and currently serves as the Assistant to the President for Strategy and Academic Services at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. He received his PhD in Supply Chain Management from Cardiff University, United Kingdom, where he also earned a Master’s degree with Distinction in Logistics and Operations Management. His academic training is further grounded in research methodology through a postgraduate diploma in social science research from the same institution. He graduated with First Class Honours in Economics from Chiang Mai University.

Dr. Pairach’s academic and professional expertise spans economic planning, sustainable development, creative economy, and regional development, with a strong emphasis on bridging theory and practice. He is the Founding Director of two interdisciplinary research centers at the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University: the Supply Chain Economics Research Centre (SCERC) and the Centre of Excellence for Creative Economy Research and Innovation (CERINN). Through CERINN, he has led major research projects on cultural economy, wellness and ESG tourism, and soft power branding.

As a certified trainer of the UNDP SDG Impact Standards, Dr. Pairach contributes to both national and international impact-driven development initiatives. His current work focuses on using economic research and data to support policy design and strategic transformation in Northern Thailand, particularly in areas such as tourism, agriculture, and creative industries. He is also involved in building academic-industry-community linkages to foster sustainable innovation ecosystems.

In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Pairach is regularly invited to speak at international conferences and serves as an advisor on several regional development initiatives. His interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach continues to shape creative and sustainable solutions for Thailand’s future.