Agriculture Minister Unveils Udon Thani World Horticulture Expo 2026
The user wants a short summary of the Thai article about the Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo 2026 (2569). I need to write in English, 1-2 sentences, 120-220 characters max 240. Lead with what happened: Agriculture Minister Watthana Chal
Agriculture Minister Warawut Khaw-kaam reveals the 10-year journey from dream to reality for the Udon Thani World Horticulture Expo 2026, transforming the Nong Da area into a world-class landmark, elevating Thai agriculture's profile internationally, and establishing a new economic powerhouse for the Northeast.
On October 21, 2026, Minister Warawut Khaw-kaam, also a Pheu Thai Party MP for Udon Thani, opened the press conference for the Udon Thani World Horticulture Expo 2026, marking a significant opportunity for Thailand to showcase its horticultural agricultural potential, technology and innovation, along with the abundance of natural resources and beauty of Thai culture to the international community. This World Horticulture Expo operates under the concept "Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living," or "Diversity of Life: The Connection of People, Water, and Plants Toward Sustainable Living," reflecting the intricate relationship between humans, nature, and the environment, while emphasizing the importance of valuing resources and developing agriculture in balance with ecosystems.
Minister Warawut recounted the expo's origins, noting that former Udon Thani Provincial Administration Organization President Wichian Khaw-kaam had approached him 10 years ago with the idea of hosting a World Horticulture Expo in Udon Thani, inviting him to survey potential sites. They eventually reached the Nong Da area in Mueang District, land used by local communities for farming, fishing, and agriculture, and where Udon Thani residents had long desired a large public park as green space for themselves and neighboring provinces. At the time, he did not believe the seemingly impossible vision would ever materialize.
The former PAO president proposed the hosting bid to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, but the matter stalled there for nearly two years without progress. However, public and private sectors in the province united to push it forward, even when success seemed unlikely. Through their determination, the project advanced to the funding and land allocation stage. Today, the province gains not just a public park but a major economic engine for the Isan region, putting Udon Thani on the national map. He thanked the Federation of Thai Industries Chairman, the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce Board, and all provincial sectors.
He also thanked former Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra for approving and driving the 2.5 billion baht budget, as well as Permanent Secretary Raphiphat Chandrasrivong, all provincial governors, and every agency that collaborated. He credited former Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for approving additional funding to ensure the expo's success.
Minister Warawut expressed immense pride and pledged to help maintain the World Horticulture Expo site going forward, preserving this grand public park for Udon Thani and Thai people in perpetuity. He committed to keeping it in the best possible condition so the public can maximize its benefits, serving as a learning center for students and a venue for farmers to participate and learn cultivation methods.
