Udon Thani 2026 International Green Expo Officially Opens

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the world’s champion for the power of plants, was in Thailand for the opening of the AIPH-approved Udon Thani Expo 2026. AIPH led the garden assessments on 1 November, its President spoke at the official opening on 2 November, and it contributed an international speaker session to the Green City Conference on 3 November.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally opened Udon Thani Expo 2026 on 2 November, a day after the Expo welcomed its first visitors on 1 November. AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio addressed guests at the ceremony.

The ceremony brought together Expo organisers, government officials and representatives from participating countries at Nong Dae Wetland in northeastern Thailand. AIPH approved the event as a Category B International Green Expo.

The Expo runs until 14 March 2027. Its theme, “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living”, reflects the wetland setting and the role of plants and water in local life.

In his opening address, Capitanio congratulated the Government of Thailand, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Department of Agriculture, Udon Thani Province and the organising team. He also thanked the international participants for sharing the plants, landscapes and traditions of their countries.

“Your participation gives this Expo its truly international character. It is a wonderful demonstration of how horticulture can bring people and nations together, building friendships and understanding across borders,” he said.

International gardens on display: Visitors can explore 32 international gardens representing 17 countries and two international organisations, alongside 16 gardens from Thai organisations. Plant displays and agricultural technology feature alongside exhibitions and performances celebrating Isan culture, including the farming, crafts and traditions of local wetland communities.

AIPH’s indoor garden features Plant Being, an installation created in partnership with Studio Organique that turns the electrical activity of a living plant into sound and visuals.

An international jury led by AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe has assessed the participating gardens before the opening. Further assessments will take place during the Expo and ahead of its closing.

Drone lights spell out AIPH and form its logo above a blue-lit building and glowing lotus decorations.
The opening night drone show at Udon Thani Expo 2026 recreated the AIPH logo in lights above the ceremony stage.

Prime Minister calls for international cooperation

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about shared challenges, including climate change, pressure on natural resources and access to food. He encouraged participants to exchange knowledge at the Expo and invited visitors to discover the food, culture and hospitality of Udon Thani and the wider region. He also thanked Capitanio and AIPH for their support in helping Thailand deliver the event.

A lasting legacy: Organisers plan to retain green space and develop facilities for horticultural learning, agricultural exhibitions and future events while caring for the wetland.

“For AIPH, the success of an Expo is measured not only by the beauty and excitement of the event itself, but also by the legacy it leaves behind,” said Capitanio.

“We hope that Udon Thani Expo 2026 will inspire new ideas, strengthen international cooperation, encourage sustainable green living, and create lasting benefits for the people of Udon Thani and Thailand.”

Udon Thani Expo 2026 is open until 14 March 2027. Visit the Expo website.

Green City Conference 2026: Green-Blue for All and tours

AIPH’s work with Udon Thani continued on 3 November at Green City Conference 2026: Green-Blue for All, where Thai and international experts shared ways to use planting and water management to help communities adapt to climate change.

AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe thanked the Thai hosts and said he hoped the partnerships formed at the conference would continue after the Expo. He highlighted the role that city planners, scientists, horticultural professionals and local communities can play in putting the ideas discussed into practice.

AIPH Board member Karen Tambayong spoke about planning parks and gardens alongside rivers, lakes and wetlands. She pointed to Nong Han Kumphawapi as a local example of how protecting wetlands can support biodiversity, help manage flooding and improve quality of life. Delegates will visit the wetland on 4 November as part of a programme of visits that continues at Nong Dae Wetland, the site of the Expo grounds, on 5 November.