Watcharaphon, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, announced he visited the site in Udon Thani to monitor preparations for the World Horticultural Expo, which is over 70% complete, and is accelerating public relations to boost visitor numbers beyond 3.6 million.
On 18 April 2026 GMT+7, Watcharaphon Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that during the recent Songkran holiday, he visited the site to follow up on preparations for the World Horticultural Expo, scheduled to take place at the Nong Da wetland area, Kut Sa Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, from 1 November 2026 to 14 March 2027, under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connectingpeople, Water, and Plants for Sustainable Living: The diversity of life, the bonds among people, water, and plants, toward sustainable living,whichis now more than 70% complete, including construction work on buildings such as the welcome center, public relations building, royal commemoration building, greenhouse, the Isan village, public utilities, landscaping, and construction supervision contracts.
Government and private sectors are collaborating to prepare facilities to accommodate tourists, including transportation,traffic management,safety, medical services, and public health. It is expected that over 3.6 million visitors will attend. Preparations also include upgrading standards for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as organizing tourism activities linked to major attractions in the province to create a positive impression for visitors. This is believed to stimulate the economy in Udon Thani and neighboring areas.
The minister has ordered an increase in publicity efforts to surpass the estimated 3.6 million visitors. He is confident that with cooperation from all sectors, the number of tourists can be raised further, benefiting the Thai people.