Thailand’s pharmaceutical sector has been on a steady growth trajectory in recent years, driven by rising domestic demand, expanding R&D activity and increasing investment in local manufacture of both small-molecule drugs and biologics. As manufacturers and research laboratories push for higher quality, tighter process control and faster product development cycles, particle size analysers (PSAs) are becoming a near-essential tool across the drug-development and production chain.
Why particle size matters in pharmaceuticals
Particle size and particle size distribution are critical attributes for many pharmaceutical products. They influence dissolution rate, bioavailability, stability, flowability, compaction properties for tablets, aerosol performance for inhalation products and even the safety profile of parenteral formulations. Controlling particle size helps formulators reproduce the same therapeutic performance from batch to batch and meet specification limits imposed by regulators or global customers. Technical authorities and contract testing providers note that particle-sizing work is essential from early R&D through to scale-up and routine quality control.
Regulatory and quality drivers
Thailand’s regulatory environment has increasingly aligned with international good manufacturing practice (GMP) expectations, and Thai manufacturers that export to regulated markets must demonstrate robust process validation and product characterisation. Regional GMP guidance such as ASEAN and PIC/S frameworks emphasise process understanding and validation — which naturally elevates the role of analytical techniques including particle size analysis during both validation and continued process verification. This regulatory pressure is a practical push-factor for companies to invest in modern analytical instrumentation.
Market and industry trends lifting PSA adoption
Globally, the particle size analysis market is growing at a steady mid-single-digit CAGR, fuelled by demand from pharmaceuticals, chemicals and nanotechnology. Thailand’s own pharmaceutical market expansion, together with rising R&D spending and the roll-out of biologics and advanced formulations, means local demand for reliable PSA solutions is accelerating. Contract manufacturers, CROs and university research facilities are expanding laboratory capabilities, and in-house quality teams are placing more emphasis on advanced particle characterisation methods — from laser diffraction and dynamic light scattering to imaging-based systems — to address diverse sample types.
Use cases specific to Thailand’s landscape
Several local factors amplify PSA demand in Thailand. First, the country is positioning itself as a regional hub for clinical trials and manufacturing — multinational pharmaceutical companies increasingly engage Thai partners for regional supply and trials. Second, the growth of biologics and specialised formulations (for example, inhalables and nano-suspensions) requires higher analytical sophistication. Third, investment incentives and government programmes aimed at upgrading industrial competitiveness create opportunities for manufacturers to modernise labs and adopt instruments that support regulatory compliance. These dynamics combine to make particle sizing a recurring purchase for labs that previously relied on third-party testing.
Choosing the right instrument: practical considerations
Not every laboratory needs the same PSA technology. Choice depends on the formulation stage and sample type: laser diffraction is common for powders and suspensions across QC and R&D; dynamic light scattering suits sub-micron and nanoparticle work; image analysis provides morphological detail important for inhalation and complex excipients. Key buyer criteria include measurement range, wet/dry dispersion capability, ease of method transfer, data traceability, and support for regulatory-grade documentation. For many Thai manufacturers the total cost of ownership — including service, consumables and local support — is as important as the instrument’s headline performance.
Benefits for manufacturers and patients
Better particle control lowers batch failures, shortens time-to-market and improves product consistency — outcomes that reduce costs and preserve brand reputation. For patients, consistent particle characteristics translate into predictable drug release and efficacy. For exporters, rigorous particle characterisation helps satisfy international buyers and regulators, opening opportunities for export growth. In aggregate, these benefits strengthen Thailand’s pharmaceutical ecosystem and help domestic companies compete regionally.
Barriers and opportunities
Cost and technical expertise remain barriers for some smaller players. High-end PSAs require trained staff and method development time. However, the rise of service laboratories and instruments designed for simpler routine use is lowering the entry barrier. Local distributors and service partners that provide training, method transfer and calibration support play a crucial role in converting demand into actual purchases. Additionally, modular, benchtop and automated PSA platforms are making it easier for mid-sized manufacturers to upskill rapidly.
Conclusion
As Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry grows and matures, the need for precise, repeatable particle characterisation will continue to expand. Regulatory alignment with international GMP expectations, the rise of biologics and complex formulations, and government initiatives to boost industrial capability all point to sustained demand for particle size analysers — not just as laboratory luxuries but as practical tools that underpin quality, compliance and competitiveness in the regional and global marketplace. For Thai manufacturers and labs looking to future-proof operations, investing in appropriate particle sizing capability is a sensible, often necessary, step.
