Chula the Impact reveals 43 new species honouring Princess Sirindhorn

Chulalongkorn University, through its corporate communication centre, together with the Faculty of Science and a network of researchers specialising in taxonomy and biodiversity, hosted the 36th Chula the Impact under the theme “43 newly discovered species of the world” on Thursday, December 25, from 9.30am to 11.30am at Room 111, Maha Chulalongkorn Building, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.

The event announced the discovery of 43 new species found in Thailand. Their scientific names were graciously bestowed in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to mark the auspicious occasion of her 70th birthday in 2025. 

The event also served as an important platform to share academic knowledge on taxonomy and biodiversity with the public, reinforcing Chulalongkorn University’s role as a leading higher education institution supporting research for the sustainable benefit of the nation and society.

Professor Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided over the opening ceremony. He said the announcement of the 43 new species was a New Year’s gift for Thai people, reflecting the capability of Thai researchers and the richness of Thailand’s biodiversity. 

He added that the discoveries contribute valuable scientific knowledge for the public and provide clear evidence of the country’s progress in taxonomy and biodiversity research.

The Chula president also noted that the discoveries were the result of collaboration among researchers from a wide range of institutions in Thailand and overseas, demonstrating the strength of academic partnerships and Chulalongkorn University’s continuing role in supporting and advancing scientific research. 

He said such work helps generate new knowledge that can be applied to natural resource conservation and sustainable development.

Professor Pranut Potiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science, delivered a report on the faculty’s academic role in promoting and supporting research in taxonomy and biodiversity. He highlighted integrated collaboration with research networks both domestically and internationally to produce new knowledge recognised at the global level.

A tribute video was also screened in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, expressing gratitude for her contributions to education, science, taxonomy, and Thailand’s biodiversity.

A key segment of the programme featured a presentation on the background and details of the discoveries by Professor Somsak Panha, Director of the Centre of Excellence on Biodiversity, Chulalongkorn University. 

He explained the research process, species identification, and scientific naming of all 43 species, carried out through collaboration among 31 institutions in Thailand and 14 institutions overseas—described as a major contribution to Thailand’s taxonomy and biodiversity research.

The panel discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor Jessada Salathong of the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, allowing members of the media and participants to ask questions, exchange views, and gain deeper insight into the significance of the discoveries.

An exhibition presenting information on all 43 newly discovered species was also held at the event to help share biodiversity knowledge with the wider public.

List of the 43 new species discovered in Thailand

New genera to the world: 2 genera 

1. Debaratania 

2. Sirindhornea 

New plant species to the world: 3 species 

3. Curcuma princeps 

4. Brachylophon sirindhorniae 

5. Strobilanthes sirindhorniae 

New animal species to the world: 34 species, consisting of 

3 species of annelids 

6. Amynthas septuaginta 

7. Amynthas sirindhornae 

8. Metaphire fidelis 

13 species of insects 

9. Batothecoides sirindhornae 

10. Gilen principissa 

11. Protohermes sirindhornae 

12. Ephoron debaratana 

13. Teloganopsis sirindhornae 

14. Coeliccia sirindhornae 

15. Lepidonella sirindhornae 

16. Megachile sirindhornae 

17. Temnothorax sirindhornae 

18. Tetraponera sirindhornae 

19. Camponotus sirindhornae 

20. Vombisidris sirindhornae 

21. Ceratocombus sirindhornae 

5 species of crustaceans 

22. Caridina sirindhornae 

23. Macrobrachium debaratae 

24. Paralona sirindhornae 

25. Tropodiaptomus sirindhornae 

26. Quadrimaera sirindhornae 

6 species of myriapods 

27. Coxobolellus sirindhornae 

28. Thyropygus sirindhornae 

29. Rhopalomeris sirindhornae 

30. Yuennanina sirindhornae 

31. Desmoxytes chaofa 

32. Desmoxytes sirindhornae 

1 species of arachnid 

33. Domarchus sirindhornae 

4 species of mollusks 

34. Pseudodon septuaginta 

35. Georissa principalis 

36. Discartemon sirindhornae 

37. Siamopotaxis principalis  

1 species of vertebrate 

38. Limnonectes sirindhornae 

New fungi and yeast species to the world: 5 species 

39. Blastobotrys princeps 

40. Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae 

41. Moniliella princeps 

42. Metschnikowia sirindhorniae 

43. Calathella sirindhorniae