On October 12, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of the University of Phayao, together with Professor Dr. Samur Thanoi, Vice President for Research and Innovation, Assistant Professor Dr. Boonyarit Sinkhangam, Deputy Director of the RSPG Coordination Center–University of Phayao, and staff from the Research Administration Division, attended the 9th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases. The event was held at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, under the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG).
During the event, President Supakorn had the honor of welcoming Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, while Professor Samur Thanoi presented a Shibori-patterned fabric bag to Her Royal Highness. The bag was crafted by the Phu Kam Yao Hand-Quilted Fabric Community Enterprise, Dong Chen Subdistrict, Phu Kam Yao District, Phayao Province. This product highlights local craftsmanship and illustrates how research and innovation can add value to community products and foster sustainable local economic growth.
The University of Phayao delegation also visited the exhibition booth of Pong Ratchadaphisek School to present a commemorative gift and congratulate the school on receiving the RSPG Standard Plaque. In addition, the delegation visited the Northern RSPG Coordination Center’s exhibition to exchange knowledge on plant genetic conservation and local resource management. These engagements reflect the University’s dedication to utilizing research and innovation to conserve local resources, advance local wisdom, and empower communities for long-term sustainability.