“Yodchanan” opens the gates to welcome visitors on the first day of the “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026”

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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