There are many botanic gardens in different parts of Thailand where people can appreciate and study nature, especially plant varieties. But the most famous one is Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, in the northern province of Chiang Mai.

Situated on a forest area of 2,600 acres (6,500 rai) on the edge of Doi Suthep – Pui National Park in Mae Rim District, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, formerly called “Mae Sa Botanic Garden,” was established in 1993 under the Botanical Garden Organization, Prime Minister’s Office. This organization was set up in 1992, coinciding with the 60th birthday celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

In 1994, the Botanical Garden Organization received a great honor from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit when she granted royal permission to name this garden after Her Majesty. Later, the Botanical Garden Organization, which supervised Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, was transferred to be under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is designed to meet world-class standards in rendering services concerning biodiversity and environmental conservation. Another objective is to provide a recreational place for the public to enjoy and learn more about their “green heritage.”

Recognized as the oldest and foremost botanical garden in Thailand, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden comprises modern layouts and facilities. For instance, in the glasshouse complex, visitors may enjoy displays of plants from tropical rainforests. Computerized temperature control ensures that all plants thrive in a suitable environment. Conservation projects also include work with endangered native Thai orchids and palms. The garden has an integrated program of research and education, aimed at putting its work in a global perspective, as well.

The operations of Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden are pursuing the royal initiative of biodiversity protection by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The Cabinet on 9 November 2010 approved the proposal by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to present the title “Mother of Biodiversity Protection” to Her Majesty, following the declaration of 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations.

Many scientific institutions, botanical gardens, and natural history museums bestowed Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s royal name upon newly discovered species of plants and animals to honor Her Majesty, who was long a pioneering figure in contributing to the conservation of Thailand’s biodiversity.