International Horticultural Expo Committee visits the area to inspect readiness for "Korat Expo 2029"

On December 6th, the organizing committee for the Nakhon Ratchasima International Horticultural Expo 2579 (2029), or Korat Expo 2029, hosted a welcome reception for the committee from the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), who traveled to conduct an in-depth site inspection to assess readiness for hosting the event, at Hotel Labaris Khao Yai.

This follows Nakhon Ratchasima Province's selection as the host for the International Horticultural Expo (Category A1), which is the largest horticultural exposition. It will be held at Khok Nong Rangka, Thephalai Subdistrict, Khong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, between November 10, 2029, and February 28, 2030, under the theme "Nature & Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future," with the objective of promoting horticulture and the country's economy.

For this A1-level event, which is held every 5-10 years, the theme covers the green world, urban development, and society. Within the event, various countries that are members of the horticultural expo will be invited to exhibit their agricultural technology advancements. Therefore, it is considered a grand exposition where people from all over the world will flock to attend.

The committee from the International Association of Horticultural Producers who came to inspect this time consists of Mr. Leonardo Capitanio, President of AIPH; Ms. Karen Tambayong, AIPH Representative for Southeast Asia and Oceania; Mr. Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General; Mr. Takuhiro Yamada, AIPH Vice President; Mr. Wojciech Marcin Wróblewski, AIPH Representative for Eastern and Central Europe; and Ms. Elena Terekhova, International Relations Manager. They were welcomed by executives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, executives and the team from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and private sector representatives from Khao Yai.

Mr. Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, gave a welcome speech expressing his pleasure that the committee from the International Association of Horticultural Producers came to visit again. He reported on the progress, stating that the Thai government confirms its readiness to host this International Horticultural Expo. The Prime Minister has instructed the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives to supervise this matter closely and has appointed a working committee, to which he has been assigned as the Deputy Secretary-General. Furthermore, he and representatives from TCEB traveled to France to meet and report progress to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), receiving advice on organizing the event from Mr. Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, during the 177th General Assembly as well.

“Mr. Dimitri praised and expressed confidence in Thailand's readiness to be the host. He advised that organizing the horticultural expo, both now and in the future, must consider the broader picture in all dimensions rather than just being a botanical garden, and must also be able to build upon investment and business. Regarding inviting various countries to exhibit, the focus should be on quality rather than quantity. As for the master plan of the event, the emphasis should be on 'Less is More.' In terms of visitation, it must be convenient, easy to access, and allow for a full experience. We ourselves will organize the event by considering the use of natural resources and the surrounding environment carefully and limitedly, answering the need for efficient budget usage, so that hosting this time is possible perfectly and in the best way, under the concept ‘Nature & Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future’.”

Mr. Anupong Suksomnit, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, who has just recently taken office, stated that on behalf of the people of Korat, he feels very pleased and honored that the International Horticultural Expo committee came to inspect the progress of organizing this event.

“Throughout the past period, the province has had development policies with environmental measures and green city management through the participation of all sectors. The province's goal is to elevate Korat into a livable city with sustainable management for the good quality of life of the people. For the progress of this world-class expo, the province places great importance on it, integrating work with the public and private sectors, local administrative organizations, educational institutions, and community networks in creating a work plan that aligns with AIPH conditions. Furthermore, importance is placed on increasing green spaces and promoting the green economy. This second visit by the International Horticultural Expo committee is very important because it allows us to present our readiness and intention as hosts, reflecting sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation, as well as receiving advice to ensure this event achieves maximum success.”

Finally, the Governor also pledged to organize the event with transparency, responsibility, and full commitment, hoping that this visit will demonstrate the potential and determination of the province in creating a green and sustainable city.

Mr. Leonardo Capitanio, President of AIPH, stated that the International Horticultural Expo (Category A1) 2029 is an event of paramount importance. The delegation is grateful for the welcome and the emphasis on the long heritage of the host city. Coming here this time is to listen to the vision of the host, both in terms of tourism and economic development.

“I feel confident in the ability, commitment, and creativity of this region to host such a world-class event. The A1 event is emphasized as a powerful platform to showcase innovation and inspire people to adapt to sustainable lifestyles. The International Horticultural Expo committee desires to strengthen friendship and build strong cooperation to achieve common goals.”

Ms. Parichart Potchanasin, Senior Agricultural Research Specialist, Academic Group, Horticultural Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, reported on the timeline and progress of preparation. She noted that the Secretary General of the BIE indicated at the 177th General Assembly in France that Thailand is ready to host the International Horticultural Expo 2029. Since then, Team Thailand has established an official working committee chaired by the Prime Minister, along with sub-committees divided into: 1. Area preparation and construction, 2. International relations, 3. Public relations, 4. Royal tribute exhibitions, academic content, and creative activities, 5. Facilitation, and 6. Revenue and privilege management. In 2026, there will be participation in the certification process from the BIE for hosting the A1 level International Horticultural Expo (tentatively June 2026). Then, a master plan will be drafted alongside the procurement of organizers. Subsequently, in 2027, construction and planting of various vegetation will begin. The preliminary operational plans are proceeding well according to the timeline.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sukon Temyotying, Director of the Lam Takhong Operation and Maintenance Project, responsible for water management within the Horticultural Expo, detailed that historical rainfall data from the past 10 years averages about 1,223 millimeters per year, or approximately 1.3 million cubic meters. The water source to support the Horticultural Expo is “Lam Sakae,” located in front, about 10 kilometers away. Water quality checks have found it suitable for planting crops and aquaculture. From 2021-2025, there have been development and dredging projects for water sources, accumulating a water volume of 1.5 million cubic meters. During preparation, about 600,000 cubic meters of water will be supplied annually, which is sufficient for the event. In 2027, there are plans to build 2 water control structures in the event area. Soil preparation is underway to ensure moisture, and there is a project to pump water from “Kaem Ling” (retention areas) to support another 300,000 cubic meters per year, confirming sufficient water quantity and quality for hosting the event.

Mr. Phaijit Manasilp, President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce, overseeing transportation for the Horticultural Expo, reported that travel to the Northeast is considered convenient. We have a high-speed railway and the M6 motorway, which has completed construction and is waiting to open for service soon, allowing for a fast connection from Bangkok. Within Nakhon Ratchasima city itself, there will be comprehensive City Link buses providing service. Additionally, there will be passenger buses from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang, Khon Kaen, and Buriram providing service. We have also collaborated with the State Railway of Thailand to prepare special trains to the venue, which will be specially designed to match the event's theme to provide tourists with a special, impressive experience, as well as direct express trains from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima.

Ms. Panchana Vatanasathien, President of the Khao Yai Tourism Association, gave an additional interview stating that besides listening to the progress of preparation from the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, the Governor, and the Chamber of Commerce, the Horticultural Expo committee also provided ideas and recommendations for the preparation that the working team will take forward.

“From now on, we must be able to answer how we will organize the event so that all sectors participate, whether it be local people, the province, and the country, especially the people in the area who constitute the grassroots economy. We must aim for holistic economic development or the BCG Model, which is a holistic economic development that develops 3 economic dimensions simultaneously: Bioeconomy, focusing on using biological resources to create added value; linked with the Circular Economy, considering bringing various materials back for maximum benefit; and both of these economies are under the Green Economy, which is economic development that does not focus only on economic development but must develop alongside social development and environmental conservation in a balanced way to create stability and sustainability simultaneously.”

Ms. Panchana added that another important thing is the Legacy Plan, or maintaining the heritage after the event, regarding what we will provide in the long term. There is also the matter of the sustainability plan, especially regarding the environment and post-event management, which the committee emphasizes greatly and wants to hear from us, the organizing team, about what plans we have to prepare and manage.

“As for Khao Yai, we consider it the gateway to Isan. Therefore, we have designed a travel experience because people coming to the Horticultural Expo probably won't head straight to Khong District immediately. Especially if traveling by car, they still have to pass through Pak Chong first. So we are preparing together with all sectors in the area, particularly regarding agro-tourism, health tourism, and also highlighting Korat as a city of 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites.”

In addition to the welcome stage today, in front of the meeting room, there were also exhibitions by the private sector ready to participate in this International Horticultural Expo enthusiastically.

This consisted of Trekking Thailand, which brought photographs of wildlife unique to the city of 3 World Heritage sites for display, such as hybrid gibbons specific to Khao Yai that do not yet have an official scientific name, images of various gecko species including flying geckos, images of the Siamese Fireback pheasant which is a symbol of Thailand, images of hornbills, and Thai elephants.

Meanwhile, The Piano Resort brought red lotus tea for the International Horticultural Expo committee to taste, which everyone was impressed with for its taste and special properties that help reduce blood pressure and aid sleep. They also presented plans for a Wellness workshop currently under construction, expected to be completed in March 2026, preparing to accommodate both Thais and foreigners traveling to the International Horticultural Expo in the next 4 years.

Next was the booth of Khorat Geopark, which publicized the 3 World Heritage sites city of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Meanwhile, Suan Phak Pak Chong brought various fresh vegetables to display, showing the abundance of resources and pure air of Pak Chong, serving delicious oyster mushroom soup and “Pham Cha” (ready-to-drink Wolffia tea), creating great excitement for the committee.

Then, the Ban Tha Chang Community Enterprise presented products and tourist attractions, especially the crystal clear “Nam Phut” (natural spring), a popular tourist destination in Khao Yai. Capped off by Farm Me by Green Innovate, presenting innovations in vegetable growing for the food industry, demonstrating the potential of a national-level vegetable farm. They brought various types of tomatoes and bell peppers for tasting, including “Microgreens,” which besides being delicious and rich in nutritional properties, also help reduce global warming because they take only 7 days to grow, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Importantly, Farm Me focuses on working with local restaurants to reduce transportation as well.

The reception of the International Horticultural Expo committee this time was full of unity from the teams of all three main agencies and every private sector part of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Because every party is well aware that the International Horticultural Expo, Level A1, is a significant world-class event that will create benefits for a large number of Thai people and will be a source of pride where everyone involved will get to show the power of Thai greatness to the eyes of the world once again.

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