Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin on 8-9 September 2023 visited the northeastern provinces of Udon Thani and Nong Khai and discussed problems and the needs of local residents, after his trip to Khon Kaen province.

In Udon Thani, the Prime Minister inspected the area where the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 would be held under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting people, water, and plants for sustainable living.”

Udon Thani Governor Wanchai Kongkasem reported on the progress of preparations for the expo, which would help create employment opportunities and generate income for local people, as well as showing the potential of Udon Thani and northeastern Thailand and making Thailand better known in the world at large.

The International Horticultural Exposition in Udon Thani is scheduled for 1 November 2026 - 14 March 2027 in Mueang district, covering an area of 1,030 rai (412 acres). The province will plant about one million trees in this area. 

The private sector in Udon Thani is also preparing to propose that the Government accelerate the construction of the rail system to facilitate trade and investment from Udon Thai and Nong Khai to Lao PDR, connecting with China. This would also encourage more investors to invest in the Northeast.

Another proposal involves a rooftop solar power system to be installed on various local households to help save energy. The Government was urged to offer low-interest loans in order to encourage the installation of this system.

The Prime Minister also met local farmers and asked them about prices of rice and other farm products. The discussions with farmers also involved processing of agricultural products to create more value and farm products that have potential for exports.

In Nong Khai, Prime Minister Srettha discussed with the local private sector and relevant agencies problems concerning exports, cross-border trade, customs procedures, and the development of the one-stop service system.

The Prime Minister was urged to revise laws and regulations that were obstacles to tourism and to push for the establishment of a university in Nong Khai to accommodate students from Lao PDR, China, and Vietnam.