Recently, a three-member delegation from HPRD Lab, including Yao Ruyu, Wang Yuehu, and Yang Jun, conducted a special survey on health plant resources in Thailand from November 17 to 23, 2025. The survey aimed to systematically investigate the distribution status of Thailand's health plant resources, deepen academic exchanges with Thai scientific research institutions, and promote win-win cooperation between China and Thailand in the development and utilization of health plant resources.
From November 17 to 20, the research team first went to Chanthaburi Province and Trang Province, major rubber-producing areas in southern Thailand, focusing on the survey of medicinal plant resources under rubber forests. With the assistance of local agricultural technicians and guides, the team delved into the rubber forest ecosystem, systematically surveyed and recorded the species, distribution density, growth status, and resource reserves of medicinal plants growing under the forests. They collected a variety of medicinal plant samples with potential development value and exchanged practical experience on the artificial cultivation, harvesting, and processing of medicinal plants with local farmers, accumulating first-hand data for subsequent research on the comprehensive utilization of under-forest resources.
On November 21, the research team arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and immediately engaged in intensive academic exchanges and cooperation negotiations. On November 22, the team visited Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden to gain an in-depth understanding of the protection and research achievements of Thailand's native plant resources. Subsequently, the team held a project progress meeting with Academician Henrik Balslev, a member of the HPRD Lab's Academic Committee, and Thai members of the laboratory, including Angkhana Inta, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Hataichanok Pandith, and Thanyaporn Siriwoharn. At the meeting, the research team detailed the phased achievements, technological breakthroughs, and future development plans of HPRD Lab. Addressing the cooperation bottleneck of non-transferable funds, the team proposed diversified cooperation plans such as resource sharing, joint project application, and collaborative technological research, which received positive responses and recognition from Thai members. Both parties reached initial consensus on the details of subsequent cooperation.
On November 23, the research team went deep into Chiang Mai's largest traditional vegetable market to conduct a special survey on edible plants and traditionally processed foods. The team focused on investigating the types and edible methods of local characteristic edible plants, as well as the processing technology, cultural inheritance, and market application of traditional fermented foods such as sour tea. They collected relevant food samples and process data. This market survey provided important references for exploring geographically characteristic food resources and promoting the modern development of traditional foods.
This survey in Thailand not only grasped the distribution characteristics and development potential of health plant resources in some areas of Thailand but also deepened the cooperative friendship between HPRD Lab and Thai scientific research institutions, experts, and scholars. It laid a solid foundation for building a long-term and stable China-Thailand cooperative research platform for health plant resources. Next, both parties will promote the implementation of the cooperation plans in accordance with the consensus reached at the meeting, work together to promote the protection and efficient utilization of health plant resources, and inject new impetus into China-Thailand scientific research cooperation and the development of the health industry.
Photos:
Members of HPRD LAB conducting a survey in a rubber forest in southern Thailand
Yao Ruyu, Director of HPRD LAB, posing for a group photo with Academician Henrik Balslev, a member of the Academic Committee, during the survey in Thailand
Visiting the Ethnobotany Exhibition Hall of Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
Conducting a survey at a farmers' market near Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
Investigating sour tea at Chiang Mai's largest vegetable market