Bangkok, Thailand – 30 June 2026 — The Royal Danish Embassy in Thailand officially opened the exhibition “Orchids of Siam: In the Name of Seidenfaden”, hosted by H.E. Mr. Danny Annan, Ambassador of Denmark to Thailand, celebrating the remarkable diversity of Thailand’s native orchids while honouring the enduring legacy of Professor Gunnar Seidenfaden, the renowned Danish botanist and former Ambassador of Denmark to Thailand (1955–1959), whose pioneering research made an invaluable contribution to the study and taxonomy of Thai orchids.
The exhibition is the result of a collaborative initiative between the Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, and the Sci-Art Network, with Assistant Professor Sasivimon Swangpol serving as the scientific coordinator. Working closely with botanists and artists, the project selected twelve orchid species associated with Professor Seidenfaden, each interpreted through the distinctive vision of one invited botanical artist. Together, the artworks beautifully illustrate the harmonious integration of science and art while highlighting the botanical richness of Thailand.
Among the featured species is Seidenfadenia mitrata (Aueang Nuat Phrom), belonging to the genus Seidenfadenia, which was named in honour of Professor Seidenfaden in recognition of his outstanding contributions to orchid research. Throughout his career, Professor Seidenfaden documented, described, and published numerous orchid species from Thailand, with more than one hundred species attributed to his taxonomic work. Several plant taxa have also been named in his honour, reflecting his lasting influence on botanical science. The exhibition opening was attended by distinguished guests from Thailand’s botanical community, including the Director of the Botanical Garden Organization, Professor Henrik Balslev, Chair of the Flora of Thailand Project, the President of the Botanical Society under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, and the Head of the Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. Participants were also invited to tour the Ambassador’s residence, where plans are underway to enhance the landscape by introducing additional native Thai plant species and restoring the site’s waterways to promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
Beyond celebrating the beauty of Thai orchids, “Orchids of Siam: In the Name of Seidenfaden” demonstrates how botanical science and artistic expression can work together to communicate the value of plant diversity, cultural heritage, and nature conservation. The exhibition also reflects the longstanding friendship and academic collaboration between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Denmark. The complete collection of twelve botanical artworks will be exhibited once again during the 8th Botanical Art Thailand Exhibition (BAT2026) at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) from 11–23 August 2026. The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge (closed on Mondays), offering visitors another opportunity to appreciate the intersection of botanical science and fine art.
