Cabinet Approves Relocating Korat Horticultural Expo 2029
The Thai Cabinet approved moving the 2029 International Horticultural Expo in Nakhon Ratchasima from Kong district to Pak Chong district.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Cabinet approved moving the 2029 Horticultural Expo from Kong to Pak Chong district
- Pak Chong site belongs to the Ministry of Agriculture, saving land purchase costs
- Total budget framework remains at 4,281 million baht
- Readiness must be submitted to AIPH by Sept 4, 2026, and BIE by Oct 6, 2026
The Thai Cabinet has officially approved the proposal from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to relocate the venue of the Nakhon Ratchasima International Horticultural Expo 2029 from Kong district to Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The decision took into account various crucial factors, including transportation accessibility, public utilities, accommodations, medical facilities, and overall capacity to host large numbers of visitors.
Officials noted that relocating to Pak Chong district, which is already state-owned land under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, eliminates the need for land acquisition and significantly reduces long-term government fiscal burdens. Furthermore, the Cabinet instructed relevant agencies to swiftly draft a comprehensive Master Plan and a Legacy Plan to ensure proper, cost-effective site preparation and sustainable post-event utilization.
Regarding financial allocations, the overall budget framework for organizing the event remains unchanged at 4,281 million baht, adhering to the previous Cabinet resolution from January 4, 2022. Additional central budget allocations include 88.33 million baht designated for designing the master plan and construction details, alongside 6 million baht allocated for site review and preparing new proposal documents.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Relocating a major international exposition is a strategic administrative decision that requires careful evaluation of long-term economic and logistical impacts. Utilizing land already owned by the Ministry of Agriculture in Pak Chong not only cuts down acquisition expenses but also leverages the district's established reputation as a primary gateway and tourism hub in northeastern Thailand. With robust existing hotel infrastructure and transport links, the new location significantly strengthens Thailand's capacity to welcome international participants and tourists in alignment with global exhibition standards.
Looking ahead, Thailand faces a tight timeline to fulfill international requirements. The government must coordinate to present site readiness to the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) by September 4, 2026, and secure approval from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) by October 6, 2026, ahead of the scheduled grand opening on November 10, 2029.
Additionally, the Cabinet acknowledged the official renaming of the event to comply with BIE guidelines, changing it from "Nakhon Ratchasima International Horticultural Expo 2029" or "Korat Expo 2029" to "International Horticultural Expo 2029 Korat Thailand" or "Expo 2029 Korat Thailand" for international regulatory standardization.
As for the original site in Kong district where preliminary preparations had already begun, the NESDC has advised Nakhon Ratchasima province and local agencies to formulate an alternative utilization plan. This approach encourages active participation from local citizens, farmers, and stakeholders to ensure the pre-developed land is repurposed to foster sustainable local economic growth and community livelihoods.
Source: Matichon Politics
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