5–10 November 2025, the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn – Walailak University Coordination Center (RSPG–WU) participated in the 12th Academic Conference and Exhibition, “Thai Resources: Revisiting Our Wealth and Heritage,” held at Maejo University, Nong Han Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province.

Walailak University presented an exhibition under the concept “From Mountain Peaks to Beneath the Sea,” reflecting the remarkable diversity of natural resources, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and community wisdom found across Upper Southern Thailand.

The exhibition was led by Associate Professor Dr. Suwit Wuthisuthimethavee, Vice President of Walailak University and Director of the RSPG–Walailak University Coordination Center, together with Associate Professor Dr. Chatchai Kalyanapanon, Acting Director of Walailak Botanic Park and Deputy Director of the RSPG–Walailak University Coordination Center, accompanied by staff members of the RSPG–WU Coordination Center.

The exhibition featured a range of research-based knowledge and cultural resources representing the distinctive identity of southern Thailand. Highlights included Nora, a significant form of southern Thai intangible cultural heritage; the Tumpang Archaeological Site, which reflects historical evidence and traces of ancient civilization; and Yan Lipao, a traditional handicraft made from natural vine fibers and recognized for its delicate craftsmanship.

Another important element of the exhibition focused on the Maniq ethnic group, presenting aspects of their identity, way of life, traditional knowledge, and relationship with the forest. The exhibition encouraged visitors to better understand cultural diversity and the value of indigenous and local knowledge as part of Thailand’s broader resource heritage.

The exhibition also highlighted bamboo as a highly versatile plant resource with strong potential for sustainable development. Its multiple uses and renewability demonstrate its relevance to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, linking biodiversity conservation with responsible utilization, value creation, and sustainable community development.

All featured works were derived from research conducted by Walailak University researchers with funding support from the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG). The research emphasizes the systematic study, conservation, restoration, and balanced utilization of natural and cultural resources.

Through the concept “From Mountain Peaks to Beneath the Sea,” the exhibition demonstrated how southern Thailand’s resources are interconnected across landscapes and communities—from mountainous forests and plant diversity to cultural heritage, ethnic knowledge, local craftsmanship, and coastal and marine ecosystems.

The participation of the RSPG–Walailak University Coordination Center in this national event also provided an opportunity to communicate research findings to the public in an accessible and engaging format, helping bridge academic knowledge with community-based learning and broader public awareness.

In addition, the event created opportunities for Walailak University to exchange experiences with universities, government agencies, local organizations, and other RSPG participating institutions from across the country, strengthening networks for future collaboration on resource conservation and sustainable development.

The exhibition therefore served not only as a platform for presenting research achievements, but also as an important mechanism for building awareness of the value of local resource capital, strengthening regional and national cooperation, and promoting the sustainable management of Thailand’s natural, cultural, and intellectual heritage for future generations.