Udon Thani horticultural expo set to open amid budget scrutiny

Udon Thani is preparing to open northeastern Thailand’s first international horticultural expo to the public on November 1, 2026, with officials reporting that the venue is almost complete while explaining a request for an extra THB250 million.

The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 will run until March 14, 2027, bringing 134 days of gardens, plant displays and cultural performances to Nong Dae Wetland in Mueang district. The site covers more than 164.8 hectares.

The Department of Agriculture and provincial authorities have sought to reassure the public, visitors and investors about preparations, event management and the use of public funds.

Final preparations before opening

Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Watcharaphon Khaokham inspected utilities, exhibition buildings, international gardens and visitor facilities ahead of the opening. The formal opening ceremony is scheduled for November 2, with the prime minister presiding.

Sasiya Pantan, deputy director-general of the Department of Agriculture, reported that engineering and architectural works, landscaping and planting were almost 100% complete. Only minor finishing work and cleaning around the grounds remained, she explained in response to concerns about construction delays.

A Brahmin-led ceremony on October 30 followed local traditions, with offerings to Brahma, guardian spirits, deities, the Earth Goddess and ancestral spirits to seek blessings and lift staff morale.

Three funding components explained

Sasiya outlined three separate funding components after questions arose over the additional request when publicity and management budgets were already in place.

An initial THB48.3 million publicity contract was tendered electronically in 2024 to build international awareness, promote tourism and invite member countries of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) to exhibit.

An existing THB290 million management and activities contract, procured through a selection procedure, covers site operations throughout the 134 days, exhibitions, international gardens, security, traffic and basic utilities.

The requested THB250 million from the central budget followed a steering committee resolution prompted by recommendations from an AIPH inspection in June 2026.

According to Sasiya, AIPH’s final assessment found that preparations did not yet meet its standards. The committee therefore sought an increase equivalent to 10% of the stated THB2.5 billion overall budget.

The additional funding would improve international gardens, security, utilities, traffic arrangements and site management. Central funding was sought because AIPH’s recommendations came after the annual budget preparation process; waiting for the normal cycle would miss the November 1 opening.

Additional contract remains unsigned

No contract had been signed for the extra THB250 million of work, Sasiya stressed. Reference prices and specifications were being reviewed to prevent overlap with the existing THB290 million contract held by Media I Am Co., Ltd.

Direct procurement was being considered because the new work needed to connect with existing systems. Bringing in an entirely new contractor could cause delays, require existing installations to be dismantled and duplicate costs, she explained.

“The public can be assured that every step strictly follows government regulations,” Sasiya said.

“Observers from the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) and the Comptroller General’s Department are scrutinising every stage from start to finish to ensure the best value for money and maximum transparency.”

International gardens and Isan heritage

Under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living”, the expo combines horticultural innovation with the cultural identity of Isan, Thailand’s Northeast.

International displays comprise 32 gardens from 17 countries and two international organisations, with 16 outdoor gardens and 16 indoor gardens.

Rare and unusual plants imported from around the world include giant South American water lilies, giant date palms, variegated baobabs and podocarpus trees, alongside Chinese topiary valued in the hundreds of thousands of baht.

Thai public and private organisations will present more than 16 gardens, alongside more than 50 plant display gardens. Featured plants include yellow star and golden shower trees, palmyra palms and wild almond trees, known in Thai as krabok.

Displays of more than one million flowering and ornamental plants will change with the seasons. The programme also includes rotating exhibitions covering 16 themes and plant competitions in seven categories.

Architectural designs draw on local heritage, with an information building modelled on Ban Chiang pottery, a royal commemorative building inspired by Wat Pa Phu Kon and lotus flowers, and an administration building based on traditional fishing equipment.

More than 200 cultural performances are scheduled at Tum Hom plaza. A 50-stall waterside community market will offer local food and One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods, generating income directly for residents.

Sustainability and regional economic ambitions

Organisers say the wetland site is being managed in line with ISO 20121 and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, with environmentally responsible waste and resource management and a goal of carbon neutrality.

The expo will also host the Green City Conference, an international academic forum for exchanging ideas on green urban development.

Natthaphon Withee, deputy governor of Udon Thani, described the province as fully prepared to serve as a gateway to the Northeast, linking tourism, hotels, transport and restaurants.

He forecast more than 3.6 million Thai and international visitors during the event, generating at least THB20 billion in economic activity across the region.

After the expo, Nong Dae is to be developed into a biological learning centre and regional public park. The longer-term ambition is to strengthen Udon Thani’s position as an international tourism and conference destination while expanding opportunities for local communities.