Udon Thani horticultural expo opens

First visitors arrive aboard inaugural train to 1,030-rai wetland site

PUBLISHED : 1 Nov 2026 at 14:48

UDON THANI - The 2026 Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo opened on Sunday with organisers hoping the 2.5-billion-baht event will attract more than 3.6 million visitors during its 134-day run.

Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat arrived aboard a special inaugural train carrying visitors to the Nong Dae Wetland venue in Muang district before presiding over the opening-day ceremony.

The expo spans more than 1,030 rai and features 32 international gardens from 17 countries and two international organisations, along with 16 gardens presented by Thai organisations.

More than one million flowering and ornamental plants will be displayed on a rotating basis throughout the event, which runs until March 14 next year.

Mr Yodchanan said Sunday marked the first day of public access ahead of the official opening ceremony.

The exhibition is being held under the theme "Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living" and includes international gardens, plant exhibitions, agricultural technology displays and cultural activities.

The event is Thailand's second international horticultural exposition. Chiang Mai hosted a similar exhibition in 2006. Organisers estimate it will generate about 20 billion baht in economic activity during its run.

The expo opened after questions were raised earlier this year over its budget and an additional 250 million baht allocation approved for event management, maintenance and promotional activities.

Officials have defended the spending, saying it was necessary to meet requirements set by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.