Thailand has been granted the rights to host the World Horticultural Exposition in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in 2029. 

This is considered major and exciting news in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, as Thailand is set to host another mega-project event. The Cabinet has acknowledged the result of the bid, confirming that Thailand will host the World Horticultural Exposition in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2029. 

Thailand has previously successfully hosted the World Horticultural Exposition twice in Chiang Mai Province: the first time in 2006 with the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 (A1 category), and the second time in 2011 with the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 (B category).

The World Horticultural Exposition is an international outdoor horticultural exhibition that rotates among member countries, organized by the International Association of Horticulture Producers (AIPH), which owns the rights to the event.

• The announcement of the successful bid for hosting the World Horticultural Exposition in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in 2029 was made during the AIPH Spring Meeting 2024 (March 2024). During the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference, the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province presented the readiness to host the Korat Expo 2029, which is classified as an A1 category event. Subsequently, on March 6, 2024, AIPH announced the results of the host country selection for the 2029 World Horticultural Exposition during the AIPH General Meeting, confirming Thailand as the host. AIPH recommended that preparations should begin as soon as possible to ensure the event’s efficiency.
• The government has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as the main agency responsible for preparing the event. This includes appointing relevant committees and developing work plans and budgets.
• The composition of the Executive Committee for the 2029 World Horticultural Exposition in Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Executive Committee) has been approved.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, and relevant agencies are to carefully review the contract documents to ensure they are thorough, precise, and beneficial to Thailand.

Project Details for the World Horticultural Exposition in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 2029

• Theme: Nature & Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future
• Event Level: World Horticultural Expo (A1) The World Horticultural Exposition is categorized into four types:

1. A1: World Horticultural Exhibition, Exhibition Area: 500,000 square meters and duration: 3-6 months
2. B: International Horticultural Exhibition, Exhibition Area: 250,000 square meters and duration: 3-6 months
3. C: International Horticultural Show, Exhibition Area: 6,000 square meters and duration: 4-20 days
4. D: International Horticultural Trade Exhibition. Purpose: Business trade show for plant varieties. Minimum Duration: No minimum number of days specified

• Objectives:

1. To showcase advancements in plant varieties, technology, and innovation in horticultural production, processing, and comprehensive products, establishing a strong agricultural and food base.
2. To develop a foundation of balanced natural development, emphasizing research, science, technology, and innovation in Thailand.
3. To elevate and exchange horticultural and agricultural knowledge and information with participating countries.
4. To promote and expand the agricultural product market more broadly.

Source : Government House https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/85278