Udon Thani counting down to international horticultural expo

Udon Thani is preparing to welcome visitors from Thailand and around the world to an international horticultural exposition starting on Nov 1 and running until March 14 next year. Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 will take place on a 1.65-square-kilometre site in the Nong Dae wetland in Muang district for a period of 134 days, which reflects the 134-year-long history of the northeastern province, said Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, director-general of the Department of Agriculture. The exposition will be held under the theme of “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living”, he said on Tuesday. Highlights will include gardens from about 20 countries and leading organisations in Thailand and a variety of exhibitions featuring garden crops, herbs, ornamental plants, wetland plants, economic crops, biodiversity and agricultural and water innovations. In addition, there will be exhibitions on the 134-year-long history of Udon Thani and royal contributions to agriculture, water management, natural resource conservation and human development. The event will also serve as a showcase for the lifestyles of the Northeast through hundreds of performances, food, handicrafts and local wisdom. “Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 will be more than a horticultural exposition,” said Mr Rapibhat. “It will also be a great opportunity for Thailand to present its outstanding characteristics in agriculture, tourism, culture and sustainable development.”