The Retreat was introduced to Prof. Dr. Henrik Balslev, Chairman of the Flora of Thailand Project from the Department of Biology – Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity at the University of Aarhus, Denmark. He was accompanied by Thai botanical experts from The Forest Herbarium and Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden to survey the flora of Koh Chang, which features a diverse forest ecology, including tropical rainforests, dry evergreen forests, beach forests, and mangrove forests.
Professor Balslev’s journey represents a continuation of the pioneering botanical work initiated125 years earlier by the young Danish naturalist Johannes Schmidt. Between December 1899 and March 1900, Schmidt conducted the first systematic botanical exploration in Siam, during which he collected approximately 1,500 plant specimens. These invaluable collections are now kept in the Herbarium of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Anton F. Bruun, a Danish oceanographer and ichthyologist, wrote in DANISH NATURALISTS IN THAILAND 1900–1960 that “this was a remarkable achievement by young scientists without prior expertise in tropical regions”.
The success of this study may be attributed to the collaboration and endorsement of all Danes, who were esteemed and trusted enterprises in Siam prior to the reign of King Chulalongkorn.
The person who invited the young naturalists was Admiral Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu, co-founder of the East Asiatic Company, who named the first and only foreign-born commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, supervising the eastern coast. Financial and diverse assistance from the Carlsberg Foundation, which financed all expenses during the months in Siam, and the round-trip boat tickets provided by The East Asiatic Company.
It reflects the Danish people’s constant commitment to promoting the study of nature for the betterment of mankind, a dedication that has persisted for at least the last century.
This expedition to the tropics inspired a new generation of natural science students in Southeast Asia and Denmark, initiating 125 years of joint endeavors in natural science education.
Acquiring knowledge of these historic milestones is not only meaningful but also a source of great pride for The Retreat Koh Chang, as a boutique hotel on Koh Chang with regenerative tourism at its core. Therefore, the aim is to broaden the understanding of this respected story, deeply honored among a wider audience.
Accordingly, the first initiative, The Flora of Koh Chang 2025, was launched under the guidance of botanists from the Forest Herbarium and a team of naturalistic media developers. The project also facilitated the publication of Flora of Koh Chang: Ecology and Botany of the Island, authored by Khun Manop Poopath, Senior Professional Botanist at the Forest Herbarium, DNP, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Johannes Schmidt’s botanical expedition.
Recreational nature expedition activities inspired by botanical knowledge will continue to evolve, engaging visitors and young explorers alike. As an active participant in tourism, it is essential to enhance public awareness of nature, fostering a culture of responsible travel and shaping a new paradigm of sustainable tourism – a global priority.
Achieving the essential goals of the 21st century requires a well-informed public grounded in scientific understanding. It is, therefore, part of the responsibility of small private sectors to contribute actively to this mission through continued promotion and support.
