The Thai climate has been found to favour more than 174 separate orchid lines, and these have been nurtured into more than a thousand hybrids.

In fact, says Horticultural Science Society of Thailand president Ananta Dalodom, local orchid cultivation has advanced in leaps and bounds.

“Apart from the natural species, there are plenty of hybrids, which are more distinguished and more beautiful,” he notes.

“Orchids have become an important economic crop thanks to the prices they command, the growers’ competence and the initiative and support of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Her Majesty, for example, sponsors her own project to preserve and develop the Lady Slipper species.”

Next week’s show – to which admission is free – will feature a competition for the Crystal Royal Trophy, to be awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and an exhibition of watercolour paintings by Somjai Reiss.

The plants on view at the Royal Orchid Paradise will come from the gardens of Chaiwat Withayatornrat, Suwan Hirunworawuttikul and Viroj Varasrai.