On invitation, Prof. Chen Jin and Dr. Fan Zexin visited National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG), and University of Chiengmai during January 5-9.

During the stay at National Research Council of Thailand, Prof. Chen Jin was present at the Sino-Thailand Workshop on Biodiversity, as representative of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). His presentation entitled “From ‘zero extinction’ to complete coverage’: a collective effort from botanical garden community for an effective conservation to China’s flora” aroused strong interest among biodiversity researchers in Thailand.

Their second step was Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG). The visit was warmly welcomed by Suyanee Vessabutr, director of QSBG. Prof. Chen Jin introduced the proposal of establishing CAS- Southeast Asian Biodiversity Research Institute (CAS-SEABRI) and set up a national office in QSBG. Suyanee Vessabutr said that QSBG would support this proposal and further cooperate with XTBG to contribute more to regional biodiversity conservation.

Afterwards, Chen Jin and Fan Zexin moved to University of Chiengmai. They talked with Dr. Chitchol Phalarash and other teachers form Department of Biology. They two sides would further cooperate in biodiversity studies, specimen exchange, joint programs, and student training.

 During their stay in Thailand, Chen Jin and Fan Zexin witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CAS President Bai Chunli and NRCT.