Anutin Inaugurates Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 Featuring Gardens from 17 Countries
Thailand officially opened the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, an international exhibition dedicated to horticulture, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
Thailand officially inaugurated the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, an international exhibition focused on horticulture, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The opening ceremony took place on the evening of Monday, November 2, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in attendance at the Nong Dae wetland area in Muang District, Udon Thani.
Spanning 134 days, the event began on November 1, 2026, and will run until March 14, 2027. The program features over 32 international gardens representing 17 countries, along with agricultural innovation exhibitions, plant competitions, and cultural presentations.
Under the theme "Diversity of Life," the expo aims to showcase the relationship between plants, water, and people, emphasizing plant conservation, wetland protection, climate change adaptation, and agricultural technology.
During the ceremony, Anutin stated that the event provides an opportunity for Thailand to welcome visitors from around the world and showcase its horticultural expertise, agricultural potential, and biodiversity. He also noted that these initiatives align with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model, which promotes sustainable development through the integration of bioeconomy, circular economy, and green economy.
Exhibition in a Wetland Area of Approximately 320 Hectares
The exhibition occupies nearly 2,000 rai, equivalent to about 320 hectares, in the Nong Dae wetland area, where water covers approximately 60% to 70% of the site. According to the organizers, this is the first international horticultural exhibition in the world held in a wetland.
The aim is to explore themes such as biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and the relationship between nature and local communities.
Government Anticipates Benefits for Agriculture and Tourism
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The Prime Minister also described the expo as a platform for farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and international organizations to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and explore new business opportunities.
According to Anutin, the government expects benefits for various sectors, including farmers, hotels, and service companies, while reinforcing Udon Thani's position as a hub for agriculture, food, and tourism.
He emphasized that the benefits should continue even after the expo concludes. The government plans to transform the site into a learning center for horticulture and a space for showcasing agricultural products and innovations, capable of hosting international events while preserving the wetland ecosystem and surrounding natural resources. The goal, he said, is for investment and international cooperation to yield lasting benefits for local communities.
Rain, Lightning, and a Joke About Promises
The ceremony also featured an unexpected moment: strong winds and lightning struck the area during the speech. Anutin joked about the weather, saying he was not concerned about the rain since a horticultural expo is about plants that thrive on moisture. However, the frequent lightning was another matter.
"The only thing I fear is lightning. I have made so many promises, and the one to whom I made them is also here," the Prime Minister humorously remarked, referring to the promises he has made. Journalists present noted strong winds and intermittent lightning during the speech, followed by light rain shortly after the ceremony concluded.
Another Expo is in the Works
Anutin also announced that another international horticultural exhibition will soon take place in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He expressed confidence that the future event will open new opportunities for the Thai agricultural sector, which he described as the backbone of the country, and help prioritize agriculture on the national agenda.
Visiting Information
The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM until March 14, 2027. General admission tickets cost 199 baht and can be purchased at All Ticket counters in 7-Eleven stores, on the All Ticket website, and at the venue's box office.
Source: Khaosod English
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