The Prime Minister has inaugurated the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026” The event featured a spectacular display of lights sound and a drone show and is expected to boost the economy by over 20 billion baht
Udon Thani 2 November 2026 – At the Nong Dae wetland in Udon Thani province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the official opening ceremony for the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026”. The ceremony was well-attended by members of the Cabinet, the diplomatic corps, representatives from various countries and international organizations, delegates from the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), as well as representatives from the public and private sectors and partner networks, both domestic and international. The atmosphere at the event was vibrant, with a large number of Thai and international visitors in attendance – a reflection of the keen interest and positive reception surrounding this major international horticultural exposition hosted by Thailand.
The opening ceremony began with a special cultural performance, followed by the formal proceedings, during which Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Governor of Udon Thani, delivered a welcome address on behalf of the province. Following that, Mr. Leonardo Capitanio, President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), delivered remarks congratulating Thailand on hosting this international event, while Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presented a report outlining the event's objectives and background.
Following this, the Prime Minister delivered opening remarks and officially inaugurated the event, accompanied by a spectacular light, sound, and multimedia presentation. Afterward, the Prime Minister posted for a commemorative photograph with members of the Cabinet, the diplomatic corps, representatives from the International Association of Horticultural Producers and other distinguished guests. Afterward, the Prime Minister and delegation toured an exhibition held in honor of His Majesty the King. The celebration concluded with a spectacular light, sound, and drone show that left a lasting impression on all attendees, officially marking the commencement of the International Horticultural Exposition in Udon Thani province, scheduled for 2026.
Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, stated that Thailand’s honor in hosting the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026” serves as a significant opportunity to elevate Thailand’s role on the global stage, while showcasing the nation’s potential in terms of biodiversity, agricultural wisdom, and invaluable natural resources. The government envisions this exposition as more than just a horticultural showcase; it is intended to serve as a springboard for fostering collaborations and creating new opportunities that lead to balanced national development – encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions – while also advancing knowledge, technology, and the conservation of natural resources. This is intended to lay the foundation for stable growth and to pass on value to the nation and future generations.
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said that “Thailand’s selection to host the ‘Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026’ serves as a significant opportunity to showcase the nation’s potential in horticulture and agriculture, technology and innovation, as well as its biodiversity and local wisdom, to the international community. Under the theme ‘Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living’, the concept explores the relationship between humanity and nature, showcased through the beauty of diverse plant life and international-style gardens, while fostering the exchange of knowledge and promoting the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, the event helps stimulate the economy and tourism, creates jobs and generates income, and provides opportunities for local farmers, entrepreneurs and the community to participate. It also sets a direction for developing the Nong Dae wetland into a green space, a center for learning, and a tourist destination that will provide long-term benefits to the public. The success of this event is the result of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, international organizations, and various partner networks, all of which worked together to bring this exposition to fruition.”
Mr. Leonardo Capitanio, President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), said that “On behalf of AIPH, I would like to congratulate the Government of Thailand, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Department of Agriculture, Udon Thani Province, and all stakeholders who have joined forces to ensure that the ‘Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026’ becomes a grand and successful event. This reflects Thailand’s vision and strong commitment to advancing the international horticultural industry, centered on the theme ‘Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living’ – a concept that addresses global challenges related to climate change and the conservation of biodiversity. This exposition not only showcases the beauty of flora from across the globe but also serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and culture, while fostering friendship and international cooperation. AIPH sincerely hopes that this event will inspire people to recognize the value of nature, promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle, and create a meaningful legacy that provides lasting benefits to Udon Thani province, Thailand, and the global community.”
Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Governor of Udon Thani, said that “Udon Thani Province is delighted and immensely proud to have the honor of hosting the ‘Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026’. This event serves as a significant opportunity to showcase the province’s potential to an international audience, spanning the fields of horticulture, agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development. The exposition is intended to serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and international cooperation, while simultaneously creating economic opportunities, distributing income to farmers, entrepreneurs, and community-based businesses, improving the quality of life for the public, and promoting the long-term conservation of natural resources. The success of this event is the result of a collaborative effort involving the government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), various public and private sector entities, and the people of Udon Thani, all of whom joined forces to fulfill their roles as hosts with the utmost dedication. Udon Thani Province is ready to welcome visitors from across the globe. It is hoped that this event will leave a lasting impression on all who attend, while also serving as a catalyst for economic and tourism development that will generate sustainable benefits for the province and for future generations.”
Mr. Rapeepat Chansriwong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said that the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026” is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives – with the Department of Agriculture serving as the lead agency – Udon Thani Province, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), and various domestic and international partners. Together, they are spearheading this international horticultural exposition, which will be hosted on a 1,030-rai site at the Nong Dae wetland, centered on the theme: ‘Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living’. A key highlight of the event is the collection of international gardens – comprising 16 outdoor and 16 indoor gardens, totaling 32 in all – alongside 16 additional gardens created by leading Thai public and private sector organizations. Together, these displays showcase the beauty of diverse plant life, the art of landscape design, and the unique cultural identities of various nations. The event offers visitors the chance to experience a diverse range of horticultural plants from around the world – all in one place – and is expected to generate an economic boost of over 20 billion baht.
The exhibition space is divided into 6 key zones, including: 1. The Expo Entrance and Ticket Counter Zone, designed to facilitate and provide information to visitors; 2. The Gardens and Key Buildings Zone showcase the beauty and diversity of plant life, featuring significant structures such as the Isan-style house, which reflects the unique character of the local region; 3. The International Garden Zone features gardens from various countries and international organizations; 4. The Indoor Exhibition Zone comprises a greenhouse complex for rotating academic exhibitions and plant competitions, an administration building that houses indoor international-style gardens, an indoor pavilion for ornamental plants and orchids, and a desert garden pavilion dedicated to cacti and succulents; 5. The Outdoor Academic Exhibition Zone features a variety of displays, including an exhibition in honor of the monarchy, showcases on fruit crops and agricultural technology, gardens filled with ornamental plants and orchids, a lotus garden, and an exhibition on carbon credits; and 6. The Provincial Botanical Zone, Bamboo Garden, and Plant Nursery showcase a diverse array of flora alongside expertise in plant propagation. This area invites visitors to experience the beauty of nature while gaining insights into agriculture, innovation, and the environment throughout their visit.
One of the unmissable highlights of the “Udon Thani International Horticultural