The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation confirmed its presence in 2023 but took time to verify it was not the common giant honey bee (Apis dorsata).

The Himalayan giant honey bee is distinguished by its black abdomen and gold-yellow fur around its thorax.

The Himalayan giant honey bee, also known as Apis laboriosa, is a unique bee species found in mountainous regions of Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

These bees can survive at high altitudes up to 4.5 km above sea level and cold weather under 25 degrees Celsius.

They build very large nests under overhangs of vertical cliffs, with one nest containing up to 60kg of honey.

Due to their peculiar nesting behavior, they are also referred to as the Himalayan cliff honey bees.

These bees are pollinators, contributing to the survivability of plant society and the biodiversity of the forest.

The Himalayan giant honey bee, Apis laboriosa, is unique for producing red honey during spring.

This honey has intoxicating effects and relaxing qualities that decrease with storage.

It's highly valued for its medicinal properties and is sold at high prices.

Thailand's discovery of this bee species adds to the four native honey bee species in the country: Apis dorsata, Apis florea, Apis andreniformis, and Apis cerana.