Thailand Presents Progress on Hosting International Horticultural Exposition in Udon Thani 2026 and Nakhon Ratchasima 2029 to AIPH

On 15 September 2025, the Department of Agriculture of Thailand presented an update on the progress of preparations for the International Horticultural Expositions to be hosted in Udon Thani in 2026 and Nakhon Ratchasima in 2029 to the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) at the NH Ghent Hotel, Belgium.

The Thai delegation, led by H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium, highlighted the country’s readiness and extended an invitation to international organizations worldwide to participate in both expositions.

Mr. Rapeepat Chansriwong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, assigned Mr. Seksan Wannakri, Director of the Office of Agricultural Research and Development Region 3, to head the delegation, which included representatives from both government and provincial sectors: Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima; Mr. Natthaphon Withee, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani; Mrs. Supawan Teerarattana, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); and Mr. Kanpong Surawanwijit, President of the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce.

During the presentation, Mr. Seksan emphasized Thailand’s commitment and invited international participation, while Ms. Kanchana Thongna, Director of the World Horticultural Expo Organizing Office, outlined effective preparation plans for Nakhon Ratchasima 2029. In addition, Ms. Paweena Choeichum, Director of the Udon Thani Agricultural Research and Development Center, reported on the progress of preparations for Udon Thani 2026.

The AIPH Committee expressed satisfaction with Thailand’s progress in preparing Udon Thani 2026 and provided constructive recommendations for Nakhon Ratchasima 2029. Key suggestions included strengthening personnel and volunteer management, developing a sustainable volunteer program, and inviting member countries to confirm participation 2–3 years in advance to allow adequate time for project and budget planning.

Beyond the exposition updates, the Thai delegation also took part in the 77th AIPH Annual Congress, chaired by Mr. Leonardo Capitano, President of AIPH. The meeting covered important agenda items such as reports from the AIPH Spring Meeting 2025, consideration of associate memberships, membership fees, financial reports, elections for AIPH President and regional representatives, progress on the AIPH Strategic Plan 2023–2026, updates from the Green City Committee, and reports on future international horticultural expositions.

The AIPH Committee also confirmed plans to conduct in-depth site inspections in Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima