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BANGKOK, 2 July 2026 — Chulabhorn Royal Academy hosted a special commemorative lecture titled "Sirisilapin: Fantasia – The Reflection of HRH Princess Chulabhorn’s Benevolence” at the Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana Building, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy. The event honored Dr. Thakur Phanit, Acting Deputy Secretary-General of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, as the keynote speaker for the final session : “Science Reflecting Beauty: Phalaenopsis Princess Chulabhorn Orchid — Artistry from Silk Cocoons to the Exquisite Elegance of the Royal-Named Flower.” This lecture highlighted the beautiful history and botanical value of the orchid, which serves as the official flower of Chulabhorn Royal Academy—a symbol of elegance, gentleness, and boundless royal benevolence.
Dr. Thakur Phanit recounted the history of this orchid variety from his time serving as the Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka. On August 27, 1999, during an official visit to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka by Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, the Sri Lankan Minister of Agriculture and Lands, on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, presented Her Royal Highness with a new hybrid orchid developed by the Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It was subsequently granted the auspicious royal name "Phalaenopsis Princess Chulabhorn".
This orchid variety is a hybrid between Phalaenopsis Rose Miva and Phalaenopsis Kandy Queen. Its distinctive features include large blossoms with broad, rounded petals measuring approximately 9 centimeters in diameter. The petals are pure white, with the base delicately brushed with a soft pink hue that gracefully fades and blends seamlessly into the white. This exquisite tenderness not only showcases its botanical beauty but also symbolizes Her Royal Highness’s pure, gentle spirit and deep compassion for her subjects and international allies.
To carry forward this royal benevolence and the science of beauty, Chulabhorn Royal Academy has channeled this inspiration into a creative cultural and charitable initiative. Attendees were invited to join a workshop to craft "Phalaenopsis Princess Chulabhorn Orchid Brooches from Silk Cocoons." The event featured expert artisans from the Ban Ton Silk Weaving Village in Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum Province—a nationally renowned hub of silk heritage—who selected high-quality, genuine silk cocoons to creatively transform into these intricately detailed and graceful royal-named orchid brooches.
Participants and charitable donors could make a contribution of 69 Baht to receive a handmade silk cocoon orchid brooch, with all proceeds going to the Srisavangavadhana Foundation under the Royal Patronage. Alternatively, participants could choose to donate their handcrafted brooches back to Chulabhorn Royal Academy to help raise funds for the foundation. These funds will be used to provide medical assistance to underprivileged patients and support the procurement of medical equipment for Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
