Residents of Kut Sa Subdistrict have appealed to the "World Horticultural Expo" organizers to open a rear entrance to alleviate traffic congestion and spread income to the community. Locals have voiced their frustration over lack of involvement in this national-level event, as most activities are concentrated at the front entrance, which can accommodate only about 50 cars.
The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 will be held at the Nong Daed wetland area, Kut Sa Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, from 1 November 2026 to 14 March 2027, operating daily from 08:00 to 20:00. However, local residents have expressed concerns about traffic and parking management for the event.
As preparations proceed for the World Horticultural Expo, residents from surrounding areas and community representatives of Kut Sa Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, have voiced concerns regarding site management and fair benefit distribution to local communities. A local representative said that the event's activities and entry points are concentrated only at the front along the main road, which could cause traffic problems and limit income distribution to the community.
Currently, the expo's layout is set along the front adjacent to Highway 2, with the site extending deep behind. Yet, ticket sales and the main entrance are concentrated at a single front point, causing residents from rear areas such as Ban Don Wai, Ban Khok Kong, and Ban Dong Charoen villages in Kut Sa Subdistrict to feel excluded.
"The communities at the back have been discussing what benefits they gain from the World Horticultural Expo. While they accept it is a provincial and national event, the organizers have closed off the rear roads entirely, preventing locals and tourists approaching from the back from entering because of concerns they might bypass ticket purchase, as ticket sales are only at the front," a resident explained.
Traffic and parking remain critical issues. The front parking area along the main road can accommodate only about 50 vehicles. Organizers aim for a world-class event, but if visitors must park at hotels or other locations and take paid shuttle services, it could be inconvenient. Additionally, the main road already suffers from traffic congestion.
The community has made the following suggestions:
Open a rear entrance and exit to allow visitors from nearby areas or those staying at resorts within the community to enter conveniently without contributing to congestion on the main road.
Open the connecting road between Ban Don Wai and Ban Khok Kong villages, a newly renovated and wide route encircling Nong Daed.
Utilize unused government land—specifically the old Ban Don Wai school site, about 13 rai in size—as a temporary parking area to accommodate visitor vehicles.
Generate income and distribute opportunities by involving local authorities (subdistrict administrative organization) in managing shuttle services for tourists, enabling the community to benefit from selling local products and providing parking services.
A community representative concluded by expressing a desire for the World Horticultural Expo to be a truly inclusive development that fairly distributes benefits, rather than having activities concentrated only in the front area along the main road.
