PSU Ready to Host the 9th Regional RSPG Academic Conference and Exhibition Bringing Together Networks Nationwide to Advance Sustainable Conservation of Thailand’s Resources
Prince of Songkla University, or PSU, together with Songkhla Province and the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, or RSPG, announced its readiness to host the 9th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases.
The event will take place from October 12 to 16, 2026, at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, PSU Hat Yai Campus, Songkhla. It is expected to bring together at least 120 participating organizations and welcome more than 5,000 participants and visitors from across Thailand.
A press conference was held on September 29, 2026, with Mr. Sangkom Kerdko, Vice Governor of Songkhla Province, and Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, outlining the significance of the event and preparations for hosting participants from across the country.
PSU has supported the RSPG initiative since 2002, for more than 23 years, and serves as an RSPG Coordination Center, connecting conservation efforts among educational institutions, local communities, local administrative organizations, and partner agencies throughout southern Thailand.
On October 12, 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony at the PSU International Convention Center in Hat Yai.
Mr. Sangkom highlighted Songkhla’s rich diversity of natural resources, culture, and local wisdom, ranging from mountains and forests to agricultural areas, waterways, and the sea. He said the province is working closely with PSU and relevant agencies to support preparations in areas including security, traffic management, transportation, and hospitality for visitors.
Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat said PSU is preparing across all key areas, including venues, personnel, exhibitions, security, transportation, and visitor services. The university hopes the event will serve as a “learning space” that connects academic knowledge with local wisdom and encourages young people, communities, educational institutions, researchers, and partner organizations to recognize the value of local resources and contribute to their sustainable conservation.
Throughout the five-day event, participants will be able to attend academic sessions, research and project presentations, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing activities from networks across Thailand. The program will cover both School Botanical Garden and Local Resource Base initiatives, while highlighting how knowledge of natural resources and local wisdom can contribute to education, research, innovation, and responsible use.
The conference is expected to welcome students, teachers, academics, community members, government and private-sector organizations, and RSPG network partners from across the country.
PSU, Songkhla Province, and the RSPG network warmly invite the public to join the 9th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases, from October 12 to 16, 2026, at PSU Hat Yai Campus an opportunity to learn, exchange knowledge, and contribute together to the sustainable conservation of Thailand’s valuable resources.