Director of the Office of the World Horticultural Exposition Presents Progress Updates to AIPH Committee and Members, Confirming Over 70% Readiness for Udon Thani 2026 while Korat 2029 Accelerates Master Plan, Infrastructure, and Garden Design

Mr. Rapeepat Chandarasriwong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, together with the Thai delegation, presented progress updates on the preparation for the World Horticultural Exposition Udon Thani 2026 and the World Horticultural Exposition Nakhon Ratchasima 2029 at the International Horticultural Expo Conference during the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026, held in Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia. Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to host both events in all aspects, with the official opening of the World Horticultural Exposition Udon Thani 2026 scheduled for 1 November 2026 as planned.

The Thai delegation reported that preparations in Udon Thani Province have progressed steadily. Construction and site development have reached nearly 70 percent completion, covering infrastructure development, wetland restoration, and landscape improvement. Meanwhile, garden construction and planting activities have advanced beyond 70 percent completion.

On this occasion, Mr. Leonardo Capitanio, President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), expressed satisfaction with Thailand’s progress and readiness, noting that implementation is proceeding in accordance with the established plan.

Thailand also presented updates on the World Horticultural Exposition Nakhon Ratchasima 2029 (Expo 2029 Korat Thailand). The Thai government has approved a budget of more than 4.281 billion baht for the project, which is currently in the process of obtaining approval for the Expo master plan, infrastructure development, garden design, and post-event legacy planning.

Furthermore, Thailand has submitted a Letter of Intent to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) to seek official recognition of the exposition and is preparing to submit a formal application for approval at the BIE Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for April. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, serving as Commissioner General of Expo 2029 Korat Thailand, is scheduled to attend the BIE Executive Committee Meeting to reaffirm Thailand’s readiness in full compliance with the requirements of both AIPH and BIE.

On this occasion, Mr. Natthaphon Withee, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani Province; Ms. Suratsanu Thongmee, Deputy Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); and representatives from Nakhon Ratchasima Province also participated in presenting progress updates on the advancement of the World Horticultural Expositions in both provinces in Sydney, Australia.

In addition, Ms. Kanchana Thongna, Director of the Office of the World Horticultural Exposition, and Dr. Paitoon Bupphada, Agricultural Technical Officer, attended the meeting and jointly presented progress updates on preparations for the World Horticultural Exposition Nakhon Ratchasima 2029 to the conference.