Udon Thani:The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 is set to be the first of its kind in Northeastern Thailand, and notably, the first global expo to feature a natural wetland ecosystem. This significant event will take place from November 1, 2026, to March 14, 2027, spanning 134 days.
According to Thai News Agency, the expo is classified as a Level B International Horticultural Exhibition by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). It marks Thailand's third time hosting such an event, but the first time in the Northeast region. The expo will see participation from 17 countries and two international organizations.
Udon Thani was chosen for its geographical and logistical advantages, including its status as an economic hub with an international airport and transportation links to the Greater Mekong Subregion and Laos. The main venue, Nong Dae Wetland, offers a rich natural ecosystem over an area exceeding 1,030 rai. The city's cultural heritage, highlighted by the Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, adds to its credentials.
The expo will operate under the theme "Diversity of Life Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living." Key highlights include the world's first Wetland Expo, an International Gardens Zone, a Greenhouse and Agro-Tech Building, and an Isan Village and Living Culture exhibit. Expected to draw over 3.6 million visitors, the event is anticipated to generate more than 32 billion baht in economic activity.
Additionally, the expo is poised to benefit Thailand's agriculture sector by promoting innovations in precision agriculture and carbon reduction technologies, alongside opening international markets for Thai products. The event will also lead to infrastructural improvements in Udon Thani, particularly in public utilities, transportation, and environmental management.
Post-expo, the Nong Dae wetland is expected to evolve into a regional environmental learning center, ecotourism destination, and public park, ensuring long-term benefits for the region.