Udon Thani set to host first wetland horticultural expo
Narumon Pinyosinwat, the agriculture and cooperatives minister, assigned Anongnat Chakaew, her assistant secretary, to preside over a press conference introducing the Udonthani Horticultural Exposition 2026.
During the event, Rapeepat Chantarasrivong, director-general of the Department of Agriculture, delegated Wilawan Kraikruan, deputy director-general, alongside Rachun Sunha, governor of Udon Thani province, to announce the province’s readiness under the theme Diversity of Life, connecting people, water and plants for sustainable living. This event aims to showcase Thailand’s horticultural potential, particularly as it is the first time such an exposition will be held in wetland areas worldwide.
The exposition is scheduled from November 1, 2026, to March 14, 2027, at Nong Daed Wetland in Mueang Udon Thani district, Udon Thani province. Wilawan Kraikruan highlighted the uniqueness of this event as the first horticultural expo in the Greater Mekong Subregion and on wetland terrain. The event will span 1,030 rai and is expected to draw international visitors.
The expo will feature six zones, including an entrance with ticketing and information points, an international garden competition area, a greenhouse for plant competitions, and an exhibition building. There will also be zones dedicated to showcasing modern agricultural innovations, Thai agricultural gardens, and carbon credit forests. These elements underscore the expo’s goal to highlight Thailand’s horticultural and herbal prowess, particularly in wetland environments.
The event is projected to attract around 3.6 million visitors, generating significant economic activity with an estimated 32 billion baht in circulation from tourism and related spending over the 134 days. The expo will also host a mascot design competition open to students and the public, with submissions accepted from February 25 to April 1, offering a prize of 50,000 baht.
Rapeepat Chantarasrivong emphasised the event’s significance in fostering international knowledge exchange- and advancing Thai horticulture. The aim is to establish new economic zones as centres for trade and innovation within the Mekong subregion, enhancing local quality of life and aligning with the BCG Model (Bio Economy, Circular Economy, Green Economy).
Governor Rachun Sunha affirmed Udon Thani’s readiness, highlighting the province’s unique wetland areas, known locally as “Pa Bung Pa Tam”. These wetlands span over 900 locations, totaling more than 2,000 square kilometres, and serve as vital ecosystems supporting local livelihoods and community identity. The expo reflects a commitment to green living concepts, integrating human and natural diversity sustainably.
Udon Thani’s notable features include the Red Lotus Sea, ranked by CNN as one of the world’s 15 strangest lakes, and the Ban Chiang pottery art. These elements combine to form the distinctive Red Lotus and Ban Chiang jar pattern, symbolising the province’s global appeal, reported KhaoSod.
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