The Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo opened to visitors on its first day with “Yossanan” arriving on the inaugural special train to lead tourists into the event site, located on the Nong Daed wetland covering more than 1,030 rai. The expo features 32 international gardens and over one million rotating flowering and ornamental plants, targeting more than 3.6 million visitors over 134 days.
On 1 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Professor Dr. Yossanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (HESRI), traveled by the inaugural special train to the 2026 Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo site at the Nong Daed wetland, Udon Thani. He presided over the opening ceremony welcoming the public and tourists on the first day, accompanied by Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Assistant Minister Watcharapol Khaokham and Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives Rapeepat Jantrasriwong.
Mr. Yossanan stated that this event is a significant opportunity to showcase Thailand's capabilities in horticulture, agricultural technology and innovation, as well as international cooperation in natural resource and environmental conservation. It also drives economic growth and tourism, creates jobs and income, and distributes opportunities to local communities. Furthermore, it aims to elevate Udon Thani and the Northeast region as international tourism destinations. He invited the public and tourists to experience the beauty of plants from around the world, agricultural innovations, and the charm of Isan arts and culture.
The 2026 Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo is held on more than 1,030 rai of the Nong Daed wetland under the theme "The Diversity of Life: Connections Among People, Water, and Plants for Sustainable Living." It features 32 international gardens from 17 countries and 2 international organizations, divided equally into 16 outdoor and 16 indoor gardens, alongside 16 Thai organizational gardens, over 50 plant exhibition gardens, and more than one million rotating flowering and ornamental plants throughout the event.
The exhibition area is divided into six main zones, covering international gardens, rare plant gardens, greenhouses, desert plant houses, agricultural technology exhibits, lotus gardens, and provincial plant gardens. It also includes academic exhibitions presenting knowledge on biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural development.
Additionally, the expo features architecture reflecting Udon Thani's identity and Isan wisdom, such as the public relations building inspired by Ban Chiang pottery and the administration building shaped like traditional fish traps. There is also an Isan village showcasing local lifestyles and culture, over 200 cultural performances during the event, and a riverside community market offering local entrepreneurs a platform to sell products and community goods.
