UDON THANI – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul officially opened the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 on Monday evening, expressing confidence that the 134-day event would generate long-term economic and agricultural benefits for Thailand, even after its conclusion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at Nong Dae Wetland in Muang district at 18.20, Anutin said the international exhibition offered Thailand an opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world while showcasing its horticultural expertise, agricultural potential and biodiversity.
The expo, held under the theme “Diversity of Life”, runs from 1 November 2026 to 14 March 2027, featuring more than 32 international gardens representing 17 countries, alongside agricultural innovation exhibitions, plant competitions and cultural displays.
Anutin said the event demonstrated the connections between plants, water and people, highlighting the importance of plant conservation, wetland protection, climate change adaptation and agricultural technology.
He said these approaches aligned with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model, which promotes sustainable development through the integration of the bioeconomy, circular economy and green economy.
The prime minister also described the expo as a platform for farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs and international organisations to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation and explore new business opportunities.
He said the government expected the event to benefit a wide range of sectors, including farmers, hotels and service businesses, while strengthening Udon Thani’s position as a centre for agriculture, food and tourism.
Importantly, Anutin stressed that the benefits should continue beyond the exhibition itself.
The government plans to develop the venue into a horticultural learning centre and a space for agricultural products and innovation exhibitions, with the capacity to host international events while preserving the surrounding wetland ecosystem and natural resources.
He said the aim was to ensure that investment and international cooperation generated lasting benefits for local communities.
Anutin also announced that another international horticultural expo would be held in the near future in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province.
He expressed confidence that the future event would create further opportunities for Thailand’s agricultural sector, which he described as the backbone of the country, and help make agriculture a national priority.
Lightning, rain and a joke about broken promises
The opening ceremony also featured an unexpected moment when Anutin joked about the weather as strong winds and flashes of lightning swept across the venue.
Despite the threatening skies, the prime minister said he was not concerned about rain because a horticultural exhibition was all about plants, which would benefit from the moisture.
However, he joked that the frequent lightning was another matter.
“The only thing I’m afraid of is the lightning. I’ve made so many vows, and the one I made them to is around here too,” Anutin remarked, referring humorously to promises he had made.
Reporters observed strong winds and intermittent lightning during his speech, followed by light rain shortly after the opening ceremony concluded.
A world expo on a wetland
The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 is being held across nearly 2,000 rai, or approximately 320 hectares, of Nong Dae Wetland, where water covers an estimated 60–70% of the site.
Organisers describe it as the world’s first international horticultural expo held on a wetland, with exhibitions exploring biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and the relationship between nature and local communities.
The expo is open daily from 08.00 to 20.00 until 14 March 2027. General admission costs 199 baht, with tickets available through All Ticket counters at 7-Eleven stores, the All Ticket website and ticket booths at the venue.