Pak chong: Suriya confirms that the relocation of the World Horticultural Expo to Pak Chong is not intended to favor any particular group of investors. Suriya denied relocating the Royal Flora Expo in Nakhon Ratchasima from Khong District to Pak Chong, stating it was not related to favoring any particular group of investors and was based on cost-effectiveness as proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed concerns that the proposed change of venue for the 2029 World Horticultural Exposition from Khong District to Pak Chong District might be politically motivated. He stated that this was unrelated to the issue and that the proposed change of location was based on a study by the National Economic and Social Development Council. However, he acknowledged that local hotels would benefit from the event, but noted that these hotels were already operating and were not newly built specifically for the exposition.
Regarding the reasons for proposing a change of venue, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives submitted the matter to the Cabinet Secretariat before the Prime Minister assigned the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to study and compare the cost-effectiveness between Khong District and Pak Chong District. The study found that Pak Chong District is more prepared in several aspects. Conversely, holding the event in Khong District would require significant additional budget for infrastructure development. As for the original site in Khong District, where some work has already been done, the governor and relevant agencies will need to conduct a site visit to assess how the area can be adapted to benefit the country further.