The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) gave its approval for a Category A1 application for an International Horticultural Exhibition in the Nakhon Ratchasima province, in the Northeastern region of Thailand, known as “Korat”, from 10 November 2029 to 28 February 2030.
The approval by Members took place on 6 March during the AIPH Spring Meeting in Doha, Qatar, in accordance with AIPH Application Regulations and following an excellent application presentation by the organising team at the AIPH International Horticultural Expos Conference on 4 March.
On behalf of the Royal Thai Government, H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar, began the presentation to AIPH Members, highlighting why Thailand is the ideal host for the A1 Korat Expo 2029.
He stated: “Korat is rich in history, agricultural land, and biodiversity. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in the province, putting Korat as one of four cities in the world with the prestigious title of the “UNESCO Triple Heritage”.
Mr Swangsilpa continued, “Korat Expo 2029, under the theme of “Nature and Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future”, will showcase our natural wonders, ethnic diversity, and biodiversity. It will introduce the harmony of sustainable horticultural and agricultural technology, providing a platform to share our expertise on sustainable growth and sustainable initiatives.”
Reaffirming Thailand’s strength in biodiversity, local wisdom, and innovation to host Korat Expo 2029, Mr Rapibhat Chanarasrivongs, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Thailand, elaborated on the “Green Future” and the country’s contributions to horticultural development. He said: “Korat Expo 2029 will be a platform where local and international communities come together to show how important agriculture and horticulture are. It will be a global hub to display innovative practices of horticulture that blend modern technology with age-old wisdom, as well as dynamic learning platforms.”
The total population of Nakhon Ratchasima is 2,630,058, and 9.9 million people visited in 2022. Dr Metinee Srivatanakul, Secretary General of the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand (HSST) and Dr Peeradorn Kaewlai, Associate Professor of Architecture, explained how the 109 hectares of Expo Park would be designed in distinct areas to accommodate the attraction of Korat Expo 2029.
Mr Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General, said, “The AIPH inspection team were very impressed during the site inspection of Korat last year, and the members gave their unanimous support. We look forward to working with the Korat team to create an amazing Expo in 2029”.
