The Provincial Public Works Office clarifies the controversy surrounding the "Udon Thani City Gate," accepts criticism for not completing it in time for the World Horticultural Expo, is not disheartened by the negative comments, and promises to speed up the work as much as possible.
On 4 Nov 2026 GMT+7, reports indicated that after the conclusion of the Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo and the Cabinet's mobile meeting, several social media controversies emerged in Udon Thani. The most discussed issue, raised by local media and residents, concerned the "Udon Thani City Gate," with criticisms that construction seemed nearly finished but was incomplete, the design was unattractive, and some accused there of budget corruption.
Reporters visited the "Udon Thani City Gate" located in front of Military Circle 24 on Thahan Road in Udon Thani Municipality to check construction progress after social media shared photos and critiqued the contractor's work. The structure itself is now fully built, with only decoration and finishing details remaining.
On the gate, only colorful fabric decorations provided by the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization were found. Construction tools and cement debris cluttered the entrance area. Landscaping at both front and back remains unfinished, with scattered materials across the site. Some workers were seen performing finishing tasks at various points, with scaffolding still set up and painting and decorative patterns being applied to the gate.
Mr. Somchai Promtho, 51, who owns a noodle shop about 200 meters from the city gate, said he has observed the construction since about two years ago when workers first arrived, and again this year. He is unsure if it is 100% finished but noticed workers stopped about 1-2 days ago. When construction was active, road traffic was limited to one lane, impacting business due to congestion and customers unable to park inside.
Once full traffic flow resumed, business improved somewhat, though not fully. The shop is very close but he has not had a chance to visit the gate’s upper level or knows if it is accessible. He noted only a few tourists appear to go up there. He hopes the city gate will become a symbol of Udon Thani, perhaps featuring Ban Chiang pottery or traditional "Mhee Khid" fabric patterns, so that visitors immediately recognize it as Udon Thani. He thinks the current design is somewhat good but not fully developed.
Mr. Somchai added that if the gate officially opens, he hopes it will boost his shop’s sales. He is optimistic about its potential as a new tourist and rest spot for Udon Thani residents and visitors. Sales have increased slightly in the past couple of days following the Expo opening, with tourists, mostly from other provinces such as Korat, stopping by. He views this positively as it brings visitors to his shop.
Mr. Mongkol Nonkamwong, 71, who runs a shoe repair shop under the pedestrian bridge near the city gate for over 20 years, said he has observed the city gate’s construction for many years and noticed several contractors have been changed. He believes it is still incomplete, with the top floor unfinished. Not having seen the design plans, he finds it ordinary and unremarkable, questioning the purpose and viewing it as a waste of budget. He declined to comment on preferred designs, citing a lack of interest and limited time as he focuses on his livelihood.
Later, reporters met with Mr. Siam Butyochantho, Udon Thani Provincial Public Works and Town Planning Chief, who explained the situation, thanking locals for the opportunity to clarify. He said he shares the public’s desire for the project to be beautiful and completed quickly. He recalled setting a goal to finish the gate before the World Horticultural Expo within 80 days under normal conditions but encountered delays due to liquidity problems. He said he has continuously monitored and urged progress, receiving assurances from the contractor.
He said, “I have devoted myself to this project and am not avoiding responsibility. Nowadays, I cannot read social media comments because of criticism and attacks, but I have not neglected the public’s needs or hardships. People may see me around the site even late at night. I will do my best, always keeping the city’s identity in mind.”
The chief further explained that criticisms claiming the gate is finished but unattractive or insufficient are incorrect. He affirmed it is not yet complete and much detailed finishing work remains, which requires care for aesthetics. He noted the presence of lettering and that overall the structure is done. Currently, the project has 10.559 million baht remaining unclaimed. The decorative fabric is from the Provincial Administrative Organization and was temporarily installed, not part of the official project materials. He emphasized the main problem remains the contractor’s financial liquidity affecting labor.
“If I did not fight for this, there would be no city gate. Late at night, I sit quietly thinking about how to complete it. When I first came, it was just upright pillars with some steel beams. At that time, I had no role or involvement with the gate and could not express an opinion or preference. Now, as a representative of the Public Works Department, I must complete it for my reputation. I am not discouraged but glad for the opportunity. I will do my best. Let it be completed fully before critics judge; I welcome that.”
He reserved the right to deny allegations of receiving money or misusing the budget. He said he had considered having his staff collect evidence to sue. The truth is only expenses have been paid; no money has been received. For example, wall painting work was undertaken by a professor from an institute who volunteered, though some threatened not to paint or to erase or overwrite text if not paid. He mediated and even contributed personally and through the inspection committee, advancing funds of 200,000 to 300,000 baht. He avoided promising a completion date to prevent repeated false claims but vowed to accelerate the work as much as possible.
Mr. Ongkan Kaewkamwong, project supervising engineer from the contractor company, said about 5% of work remains, worth approximately 2 million baht. Remaining tasks include landscaping around the perimeter and electrical systems inside the building, which comprises 10 rooms with lighting and sockets. Plans are underway to complete these, alongside concrete stamped floor work and finishing touches. They are addressing issues raised by public comments and making improvements accordingly.
“Our goal was to finish before the World Horticultural Expo, and we planned accordingly. However, multiple issues caused delays despite our best efforts. We continue working despite knowing payments may be delayed or incomplete. In meetings with company executives, the commitment is to complete the project and fulfill promises to the public and government agencies. Even if penalties or incomplete payments occur, we must finish the work, possibly slowly, but completion is guaranteed.”