Udon Thani:Udon Thani has officially opened the "Udon Thani International Horticultural Exposition 2026," welcoming tourists to explore an extensive variety of plant species. The event, themed "Cultivating Life-Economy-Future," features over 1 million plants from 32 international gardens and aims to promote high-value agricultural innovations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Thai News Agency, the exposition is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in collaboration with Udon Thani Province and partner networks. The opening ceremony was led by Prof. Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, along with other notable figures including Mr. Julaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, and Mr. Watcharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
The event is recognized as the first international horticultural expo in Northeastern Thailand certified by the International Association of Horticultural Research and Plant Conservation (AIPH). It features 32 international gardens from 17 countries, 16 Thai organizational gardens, and more than 50 plant display gardens. Visitors can enjoy various celebratory activities, unique Isaan architecture, and over 200 cultural performances during the 134-day event, which runs from November 1, 2026, to March 14, 2027.
Prof. Dr. Yotsanun highlighted the expo's focus on biodiversity and its potential to develop into high-value agriculture, driving the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that the event is not just about planting trees but about cultivating life, promoting economic growth, and preparing for the future with technology, innovation, and science through real-world learning experiences.
The exposition is divided into six zones, including an entrance and ticket sales area, an exhibition garden zone showcasing local identity, an international garden zone with global participants, and both indoor and outdoor academic exhibition areas. These zones offer visitors a comprehensive experience of nature, innovation, and agricultural technology. The Deputy Prime Minister invited global tourists to experience the event, highlighting its convenient location near Udon Thani Airport and accessible by train.