South Korea?s disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk, who is on trial for criminal fraud, is in Thailand to discuss joining an international consortium for human embryonic stem cell research, a news report said yesterday.

Hwang, once celebrated as a national hero after raising hopes that his work could one day lead to cures for such illnesses as diabetes and spinal cord injuries, was indicted in May last year on charges of fraud and embezzlement related to his research.

?Doctor Hwang has said he would visit Thailand at the invitation of two research institutes, including a national university, and planned to look at international stem cell research?s situation,? the Maeil Business Newspaper quoted a government official as saying.

South Korea?s Science Ministry, which previously oversaw Hwang?s work, could not immediately confirm the report.