The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 is now underway at Nong Dae Wetland and runs until 14 March 2027. Spread across 1,030 rai (1.65 million square meters), it brings together gardens and horticultural displays from around the world, alongside agricultural innovations such as smart farming and high-value crop technologies.

● Expo 2026 at a glance
◇ 3.6 million+ expected visitors
◇ 20 billion baht+ (US$592 million) in economic value
◇ 81,000+ jobs created

Dr Yossanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said the expo is more than a showcase of flowers and gardens. It is an opportunity to connect agricultural innovation with future industries, particularly wellness and herbal products, while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. Plans are also underway to make lasting use of the site after the event, transforming it into a public space, an agricultural learning centre and a tourist attraction for the upper Northeast.

It is a model Thailand has used successfully before. The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Chiang Mai, held in 2006 and 2011, drew more than 3.8 million and 1 million visitors, respectively, and generated estimated economic impacts of over 20 billion baht (US$592 million) and 10 billion baht (US$296 million).

Through international events like these, Thailand continues to present its horticultural diversity to the world while boosting tourism and strengthening local economies.