PSU and Songkhla Province Prepare for the 9th Regional RSPG Academic Conference and Exhibition Advancing the Royal Initiative for Sustainable Resource Conservation
Prince of Songkla University, or PSU, through the RSPG Coordination Center, joined Songkhla Province in a preparatory meeting for the 9th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases, scheduled for October 12–16, 2026.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Sangkom Kerdko, Vice Governor of Songkhla Province, and Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University. PSU executives, representatives from relevant agencies, and members of the organizing committees attended the meeting at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, with additional participants joining online via Zoom.
The Vice Governor of Songkhla said the meeting brought together all relevant sectors to coordinate preparations for this major regional event, which Songkhla Province will host for the first time. The province and PSU are working closely to ensure that preparations are carried out smoothly and with due honor.
Beyond its academic and resource conservation objectives, the event is also expected to welcome participants from across Thailand to Songkhla and Hat Yai for the conference and exhibitions, while contributing to local economic activity and creating opportunities for communities and local businesses.
Songkhla Province is also coordinating with relevant agencies on security, transportation, and other arrangements for the Royal Visit, to ensure that all preparations are conducted appropriately and efficiently.
Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, said PSU has received royal permission to co-host the event with its network partners. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony on October 12, 2026.
The event provides an important opportunity for PSU and its partners to support the Royal Initiative on Plant Genetic Conservation, while sharing knowledge on resource conservation with young people, communities, academics, the private sector, and policymakers.
The conference and exhibition aim to promote greater understanding and appreciation of local resources, while encouraging their responsible and sustainable conservation and use. The program will also showcase work in resource conservation and development, the application of local wisdom and knowledge to innovation, and the development of information systems covering plant and animal genetics, biological and physical resources, as well as local knowledge.
Dr. Piyarat Prinya Phongcharoensap, Assistant Director of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, or RSPG, also outlined the project’s approach to the conservation, development, and sustainable use of resources. Its work encompasses biological resources, physical resources, and cultural resources and local wisdom.
Preparations for the five-day event are being coordinated through 18 organizing subcommittees. PSU has allocated approximately 17 million baht for the event and plans to welcome around 120 organizations to present exhibitions supporting the Royal Initiative.
Through this collaboration, PSU, Songkhla Province, and partner organizations hope the conference will provide a meaningful platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and public participation in conserving and sustainably using Thailand’s valuable local resources.