“PM” Opens Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, Promoting Agricultural Agenda for Sustainable Economy and Confirming Long-Term Benefits for Nong Dae Wetland

Today (2 November 2026) at 6:30 PM at Nong Dae Wetland, Kud Sa Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the opening ceremony of the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026. The event runs from November 1, 2026, to March 14, 2027, spanning a total of 134 days. The opening was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and representatives from the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

The Prime Minister began by delivering a welcome address on behalf of the host nation, stating that Thailand is honored to host the International Horticultural Expo, an international-level event certified by AIPH lasting 134 days. He highlighted this as a key opportunity to welcome global visitors while demonstrating Thailand's capabilities in horticulture, agriculture, and biodiversity. He noted that the expo serves as a platform showing how plants, water, and people are connected—ranging from plant and wetland conservation and climate change adaptation to the application of technology and innovation to help farmers produce high-quality, value-added yields. This aligns with Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model, which focuses on biotechnology and the environment. Thus, the expo acts as a hub for farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to exchange knowledge and expand cooperation into market development and business opportunities.

The Prime Minister added that the government hopes the expo will broadly benefit farmers, small entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, and service businesses, while elevating the Northeastern region as a unique hub for agricultural production, food, and tourism. Furthermore, the venue's use will not end when the expo concludes; plans are in place for long-term development into a horticultural learning center, a product and agricultural innovation exhibition site, and a venue for international events, alongside the preservation of the wetland and natural resources to generate long-term value for the community.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to all sectors, including government agencies, private organizations, educational institutions, agricultural communities, the people of Udon Thani, and all relevant provinces, for working together to welcome visitors and make the event a success. He praised the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Udon Thani Province for their thorough preparation, and revealed that in the near future, Thailand will host another International Horticultural Expo in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which he believes will yield immense benefits for the Thai people, especially those in the agricultural sector.

During his speech, the Prime Minister shared a lighthearted joke regarding the strong winds and imminent rain, mentioning that while he was not afraid of rain, seeing the flashes of lightning reminded him of the many oaths he had sworn, adding that the person he swore them to was also present at the event, drawing laughter from the audience. He concluded by stating that the Cabinet meeting would take place in Udon Thani the following day, where he would push to declare agriculture a key national agenda to support farmers, who serve as the backbone of the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, reported on the objectives of the event, expressing that it was an honor to have the Prime Minister preside over the ceremony. Hosting this international event represents a major opportunity to present Thailand's technological advances, innovations, biodiversity, and local wisdom to the global community under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water, and Plants for Sustainable Living.” The event emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, promotes environmental awareness, boosts tourism, stimulates the economy, and empowers farmers and community enterprises to drive the local economy.

At the same time, the development of the Nong Dae wetland aims to deliver long-term benefits by converting the site into a green area, learning center, and tourist destination. Throughout the preparation phase, the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives received strong cooperation from the Ministry of Interior, local administrative organizations, educational institutions, all sectors in Udon Thani, as well as international organizations and partner nations. He extended his appreciation to AIPH and all participating parties for their united support in bringing the event to fruition.

Reporters additionally noted that according to the original schedule, special cultural performances featuring spectacular light, color, and sound shows were planned, along with a drone light show forming the shapes of a Ban Chiang jar—a UNESCO World Heritage symbol of Udon Thani—and the AIPH logo. However, due to rain and strong winds during the opening ceremony, organizers had to cancel some of the planned activities.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong