Deputy Government Spokesperson explains the Udonthani World Horticulture Expo controversy, noting management was taken over only 5-6 months ago, with active problem-solving and acceptance of responsibility; Pheu Thai Party affirms readiness to accept criticism.
On 5 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Major Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Government Spokesperson, addressed critiques of the 2026 Udonthani World Horticulture Expo concerning budget, venue readiness, and standards, stating the government listens to all public feedback and clarifies that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives under the current leadership has managed the project for only 5-6 months, while planning and budgeting were done over several years prior.
The Deputy Spokesperson said taking over a large project just 5-6 months before the event involves constraints of time, budget, and existing commitments from prior plans and contracts, which must be followed per legal procedures. Still, the current ministry leadership prioritizes monitoring, inspecting, and resolving issues to ensure efficient event management.
“The Udonthani World Horticulture Expo is a multi-year project. The fact the current ministry leaders took over management only 5-6 months ago should be considered when assessing progress, limitations, and solutions to ensure work continues in the best way.”
Regarding post-opening complaints and suggestions, the Deputy Spokesperson said the government prioritizes addressing issues affecting visitor experience, especially ticketing, entrances, shuttle systems, waiting areas, cleanliness, safety, and venue order, instructing relevant agencies to investigate and continuously improve operations for visitor convenience throughout the event.
The government also focuses on exhibition area completeness, plant care, accuracy of information signs, and event components, coordinating with responsible agencies to ensure scientific and event standards are met, and to correct defects, so visitors gain both impression and knowledge appropriately.
“The government understands visitors expect readiness and quality, especially at an international event. Therefore, complaints or flaws must be promptly corrected to provide maximum convenience and benefit, a top priority for the government and agencies.”
Regarding event standards criticism, the Deputy Spokesperson clarified that the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) granted Udonthani Level B status in 2022. This international event differs from larger Level A1 expos in area, duration, and international participation.
“We confirm Udonthani was awarded Level B from the start, not downgraded from A1. Each event type has different standards and conditions, so information should be considered per AIPH criteria for proper understanding.” He emphasized that despite Level B status, the event must maintain quality, safety, and standards per guidelines, and classification cannot excuse neglecting defects.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that regarding budget and procurement, the government prioritizes transparency and value. The project has a 2.75 billion baht budget covering construction, utilities, landscaping, and management over several years. All approved budgets, contracts, disbursements, and ministry procedures must be reviewed for accurate, verifiable explanations. Audits cover all phases, adhering to accountability and transparency.
“The government welcomes all feedback, as public voices help improve government work. Deficiencies must be fixed promptly; doubts clarified with facts; improper actions legally investigated, always prioritizing public benefit.”
The Deputy Spokesperson said evaluating the expo's success should include both event performance and long-term benefits like economic growth, tourism, local income, jobs, and sustainable area development to make Udonthani a Northeast tourism and economic hub. Assessments should rely on actual data, not just projections.
In closing, the Deputy Spokesperson said, “We thank the public for feedback and will use it to improve operations, aiming for the expo to generate income, boost the economy, and lay foundations for lasting development, with the ultimate goal being real benefits for the people.”
Ms. Praphaporn Thongpaknam, Deputy Spokesperson of the Pheu Thai Party and Sukhothai MP, responded to budget transparency criticisms, saying Pheu Thai inherited a large, ongoing project but has managed the Ministry of Agriculture only 5-6 months. Much of the event format and budget framework was set before their ministers took office, so audits must clearly separate budget framework from approved, contracted, and disbursed items at each stage.
Ms. Praphaporn added that now responsible, Pheu Thai must do its best. She affirmed readiness to listen and monitor so suggestions lead to real improvements visible to the public. The party understands public expectations that an international event funded by taxpayers must have quality, accuracy, and value, and the public has full rights to question and suggest.
“For over 20 years, Pheu Thai rarely managed the Agriculture Ministry. Now part of government, we are fortunate to manage it and support farmers. We've seen problems since starting work and know each Pheu Thai minister strives to fix issues for the expo to be as good, beneficial, and cost-effective as possible. Though we didn't start it, having taken over, we'll do our best so post-event benefits last for locals. Follow-up must ensure Udonthani and Upper Northeast receive horticultural learning centers, nature study areas, and parks as planned, maintained and accessible continuously,” Ms. Praphaporn concluded.