Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo Opens in Thailand: 1,030-Rai Site Expects 3.6 Million Visitors
The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 opened to the public on November 1 at the Nong Dae wetland in Kut Sa subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani district, in northeastern Thailand, and will run for 134 days until March 14, 2027. Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanan Wongswasdi presided over the opening, with representatives of the international horticultural community in attendance, as Thai and foreign visitors streamed into the site through the morning, Thai PBS reported.
The expo covers 1,030 rai (about 165 hectares) under the theme 'Diversity of Life: Connecting Water, Plants, and People for Sustainable Living.' It is the first international horticultural expo held in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the first in the world staged in a wetland, with international and corporate gardens alongside academic and technology exhibitions. An orchid display runs from November 1 to 11, followed by handicraft exhibitions from November 14.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Watcharaphon Khaokham said organisers expect about 3.6 million visitors, more than 20 billion baht in economic value and some 81,000 jobs, with accommodation booked out as far away as Nong Khai before the opening. General admission is 199 baht, and Udon Thani residents can buy a 199-baht pass for unlimited entry throughout the 134 days.
The government put the initial budget at 2.5 billion baht, with a further 250 million baht added on the recommendation of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) to bring facilities and management up to international standards. After the expo, the site is to be kept as a permanent public park, an international events venue and a hub for agricultural technology and innovation. (Source: GSM·USA)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：泰国 Udon Thani 市 Nong Prajak 公园一景，本届国际园艺博览会在该市 Nong Dae 湿地举行。图源：Wikimedia Commons，Stefan Fussan，CC BY-SA 3.0。 / A pavilion at Nong Prajak Park in Udon Thani, Thailand, host city of the International Horticultural Expo at the Nong Dae wetland. Photo: Stefan Fussan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
