Featuring 32 international gardens and over 1 million flowering and ornamental plants on rotation
Udon Thani 1 November 1, 2026 – Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), traveled on the inaugural special train service to the site of the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026”, located at the Nong Dae wetland in Udon Thani, to preside over the opening event welcoming the public and tourists on the first day of the exposition. Welcoming the Deputy Prime Minister were Mr. Watcharaphon Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Mr. Rapeepat Chansriwong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Mr. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), and Mr. Natthaphon Withee, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani Province.
Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister, stated on the occasion of the opening of the event, that “Today marks another significant moment for Thailand and Udon Thani province, as we welcome visitors from across the globe to the first international horticultural exposition in the Northeastern region. This serves not only as a platform to showcase Thailand’s potential in horticulture, agricultural technology, and innovation – as well as its international cooperation in the conservation of natural resources and the environment – but also as a vital opportunity to drive the economy and tourism, create jobs and income, and distribute opportunities to local communities. It is also set to elevate Udon Thani province and the Northeastern region into an international tourist destination. I would like to thank all sectors for their collaborative efforts in bringing this exposition to fruition. I invite the public and tourists alike to come and experience the beauty of diverse flora from around the world, agricultural innovations, and the charming art and culture of the Isan region. The objective is for this event to serve as a space for learning and inspiration, paving the way for long-term and sustainable development.”
Mr. Rapeepat Chansriwong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said that the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026” is considered a matter of national agenda and a significant event for Thailand. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, acting as the lead agency – in collaboration with Udon Thani province, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), and various public and private sector entities, as well as domestic and international partners – has spearheaded the organization of this event, which officially opens its doors to the public and tourists today. The expo is situated on a 1,030-rai (164.8 hectares) wetland area at Nong Dae, under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water, and Plants for Sustainable Living”. It features 32 international gardens – comprising 16 outdoor and 16 indoor gardens – alongside 16 corporate gardens created by leading Thai public and private sector organizations. The event showcases the beauty of diverse flora, the art of landscape design, and cultural identities from around the world, offering visitors the chance to experience a global horticultural variety all in one place.”
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.
Another highlight is the architecture, which integrates the identity of Udon Thani and the wisdom of the Isan region with the natural environment, through an eco-friendly and sustainable design, including: 1. The Information Center Building – or the “Jar-Shaped Building” – drawing its inspiration from Ban Chiang pottery and the “Khong”, a woven bamboo container used for holding fish; 2. The Royal Tribute Pavilion, which incorporates design concepts inspired by Wat Pa Phu Kon and the lotus flower, houses the statue of “Phra Phutthaphatthara Borom Suk” Maitreya Buddha. The pavilion also features Royal Tribute Exhibition titled “Phon Phra Khun Tha Raksa”, as well as “134 Years of Stories: The Making of Udon Thani Today” exhibition; 3. The Administration Building, or “Sai-Shaped Building”, which draws inspiration from a traditional local fishing trap; 4. The Glasshouse Building, which draws inspiration from the “Huean Faet” (traditional twin-house) architectural style, incorporating contemporary design elements that emphasize openness and natural ventilation; and 5. The Isan Village, which portrays the way of life and the bonds within Isan families through the recreation of various traditional local-style dwellings.
Another highlight is the architecture, which integrates the identity of Udon Thani and the wisdom of the Isan region with the natural environment, through an eco-friendly and sustainable design, including: 1. The Information Center Building – or the “Jar-Shaped Building” – drawing its inspiration from Ban Chiang pottery and the “Khong”, a woven bamboo container used for holding fish; 2. The Royal Tribute Pavilion, which incorporates design concepts inspired by Wat Pa Phu Kon and the lotus flower, houses the statue of “Phra Phutthaphatthara Borom Suk” Maitreya Buddha. The pavilion also features Royal Tribute Exhibition titled “Phon Phra Khun Tha Raksa”, as well as “134 Years of Stories: The Making of Udon Thani Today” exhibition; 3. The Administration Building, or “Sai-Shaped Building”, which draws inspiration from a traditional local fishing trap; 4. The Glasshouse Building, which draws inspiration from the “Huean Faet” (traditional twin-house) architectural style, incorporating contemporary design elements that emphasize openness and natural ventilation; and 5. The Isan Village, which portrays the way of life and the bonds within Isan families through the recreation of various traditional local-style dwellings.
Key activities at the event include those held in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his accession to the throne, as well as those held in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 6th cycle (72nd) birthday. The event also features exhibitions showcasing their royal duties, royal initiatives, and personal projects related to agriculture. In addition, there will be over 200 cultural performances held throughout the 134-day period at the “Lan Tum Hom” (Isan Amphitheatre), alongside various festivals and special occasions. The event also features the “Riverside Local Market”, which brings together 50 local vendors offering a rotating selection of food, agricultural produce, and community-made products – all operating under an eco-friendly concept that emphasizes reducing plastic use and promoting waste sorting.
Mr. Rapeepat added that the event prioritizes the conservation of the Nong Dae wetland ecosystem, efficient resource and waste management, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions - in alignment with ISO 20121 and ESG principles – and has achieved a “Carbon Neutral Self-Declaration” certification. The “Green City Conference” – an international academic forum – will be held to facilitate the exchange of knowledge regarding green cities and to develop policy proposals for sustainability. Furthermore, plans are in place to transform the site following the event into a horticultural learning hub, a center for biodiversity conservation, an ecological study area, and a public park, ensuring long-term benefits for the local community.
Mr. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), offered his congratulations, stating, “On behalf of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), I would like to congratulate Thailand and all involved sectors for their collaborative efforts in bringing the ‘Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026’ to fruition. This marks another significant milestone for Thailand: the hosting of an international horticultural exposition in the Northeastern region – an event that showcases the country’s horticultural potential, its cultural heritage, and its commitment to sustainable development. The event also serves as a vital platform for fostering international cooperation, raising environmental awareness, and inspiring visitors from across the globe. AIPH commends the dedication of all sectors involved in driving this event forward, and is confident that it will generate lasting value and a legacy of sustainability for Udon Thani province and Thailand.”
Mr. Natthaphon Withee, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani Province, said that “Udon Thani province is proud to have the honor of hosting the ‘Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026’ – a significant opportunity to showcase the potential of both the province and the Northeastern region to the international community. The province is fully prepared to welcome both Thai and international visitors throughout the 134-day event. We do not view the World Horticultural Exposition merely as an international horticultural exhibition, but rather as a significant opportunity to drive the economy and enhance the province’s long-term potential. This event is intended to serve as a starting point for raising awareness of Udon Thani as an international tourist destination, while also facilitating travel to key attractions both within the province and throughout the wider region. Furthermore, it creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs – including those in the tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors, as well as producers of community goods – to benefit from the growth of the tourism industry. This, in turn, fosters further development in trade, investment, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, ultimately driving Udon Thani province toward becoming a sustainable economic and tourism hub for the Greater Mekong Subregion.”
Following the conclusion of the opening ceremony on the first day, Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister, accompanied by his delegation, toured the exhibition areas and key displays at the event, starting with the indoor botanical garden, which houses a diverse collection of plants, the cactus garden featuring various species, an indoor living plant museum, an educational hub for plant biodiversity, and the orchid and bromeliad garden. Afterwards, Mr. Yodchanan visited the corporate gardens presented by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), as well as the exhibition areas of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). This reflects the collaboration among the public and private sectors and international organizations in promoting knowledge, technology, and agricultural innovation in the field of horticulture.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation visited the commemorative exhibition, “Phon Phra Khun Tha Raksa”, which highlights the royal grace and initiatives – rooted in the vision of King Rama IX and continued, preserved, and future developed under the reign of King Rama X – pertaining to water management, agriculture, natural resource conservation, and the improvement of quality of life. They also paid homage to the statue of “Phutthaphatthara Borom Suk” Maitreya Buddha – enshrined within The Royal Tribute Pavilion, to seek blessings, before proceeding to view the exhibition titled “134 Years of Udon Thani”.
We invite the public, as well as both Thai and international tourists, to experience the beauty of diverse flora from around the world. Discover international gardens, rare plant species, agricultural innovations, and the charming art and culture of the Isan region at “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026”. The event will take place from November 1, 2026, to March 14, 2027, and will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Nong Dae wetland area, Udon Thani province. Tickets for the general public are priced at 199 baht and can be purchased at All Ticket counters in 7-Eleven stores nationwide, via the website: https://www.allticket.com/event/UdonExpo2026, as well as ticket counters at the event. Other ticket options – including the “Udon Thani Resident” pass, the “Sabai Dee Network” pass, Group ticket, and Complimentary ticket for eligible individuals – are also available. For further details, please visit www.udonthaniexpo2026.com or contact the official LINE account: @organizer.udonexpo
