As the new year begins, AIPH’s engagement with Expo projects worldwide continues, with recent site inspections laying the foundation for progress, delivery, and a long-term legacy across AIPH-approved Expos.
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has completed a series of official site inspections across Asia, reaffirming its commitment to supporting and overseeing the delivery of AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos.
In December, the AIPH Site Inspection Team undertook inspections in Thailand and the Republic of Korea, visiting four current and forthcoming Expo locations. The inspections confirmed that each site met AIPH’s standards for quality, sustainability, governance, and legacy, while enabling targeted support as organisers progressed from planning to delivery.
The AIPH Site Inspection Team was led by President Leonardo Capitanio and Secretary General Tim Briercliffe. The team included Takuhiro Yamada, Chair of the Exhibition Committee; Karen Tambayong, Youfei Wang, and Wojciech Wroblewski, AIPH Board Members; and Elena Terekhova, International Relations Manager.
The inspection programme included visits to Expo 2029 Korat–Nakhon Ratchasima and Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Thailand, as well as the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo and 2026 Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo in the Republic of Korea.
At all four locations, the site inspections focused on critical areas: masterplanning, site readiness, thematic development, sustainability, and operations. These efforts identified key improvement priorities, set sustainability benchmarks, and fostered active collaboration between AIPH and organisers, tailored to each Expo’s needs.
Thailand: Advanced Delivery And National Commitment
Expo 2029 Korat – Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
In Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), the AIPH Site Inspection Team conducted a progress review for Expo 2029 Korat – Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. This is an AIPH-approved A1 International Horticultural Expo. The programme included progress meetings, site visits in Khong District, and briefings on governance, masterplanning, infrastructure, water management, transport, and legacy planning.
Discussions were held with senior representatives from national and provincial authorities, including Anupong Suksomnit, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province; Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture; Wilawan Kraikruan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agriculture; Saranroj Sutasnchooto, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); and Nichapa Yoswee, former Senior Vice President and Executive Advisor of TCEB.
During the visit, the AIPH delegation also met with Captain Thamanat Prompow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand. The meeting underlined strong high-level political commitment to the Expo and highlighted the importance of continued alignment with AIPH and Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) requirements as preparations advance.
Progress updates confirmed preparations for BIE recognition remain on schedule. The full dossier is due for submission in early 2026. The seven-zone masterplan aims to enable efficient visitor flow, enhance horticultural storytelling, and ensure sustainable post-Expo use. Infrastructure planning focuses on transport, water security, and site access improvements linked to regional development goals.
Throughout discussions, AIPH emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability and legacy planning early to ensure Expo 2029 Korat delivers lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits, reinforcing horticulture’s central role within an A1 International Horticultural Expo.
Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026
In Udon Thani, the AIPH Site Inspection Team reviewed advanced preparations for Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, an approved International Horticultural Green Expo, which opens in November. Progress in construction and landscape development is strong, with enhanced city-level coordination and readiness planning now supporting the final stages of delivery.
A progress presentation from authorities outlined six pillars: accessibility, urban facilities, infrastructure, safety and medical services, human resource development, and tourism connectivity. The site visits confirmed significant planting progress and the completion of permanent structures. Management teams are now finalising operational plans ahead of opening on 1 November.
Republic Of Korea: Legacy-Focused Planning And Readiness
2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo
In Ulsan, the AIPH Site Inspection Team reviewed preparations for the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo, an approved International Horticultural Green Expo, positioned as part of the city’s long-term transition from an industrial centre to a more garden-focused, people-centred urban environment.
Site visits to Taehwagang National Garden and the reclaimed Samsan–Yeocheon landfill area demonstrated how ecological restoration, horticultural planning, and public space development are being successfully integrated. The Inspection Team recognised Ulsan’s strengths in sustainability and mobility initiatives and recommended further steps to strengthen public legacy outcomes beyond 2028.
2026 Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo
In Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, where the 2026 Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo will open on 25 April 2026 at Anmyeondo Kkotji Beach Park as an AIPH-approved International Horticultural Show, the AIPH Site Inspection Team reviewed final-stage preparations.
Key outcomes included confirmation of operational readiness, identification of minor site adjustments, refinement of visitor flow plans, and endorsement of horticulture-led programming across the main venue and satellite locations.
The inspection highlighted the show’s focus on horticultural healing and wellbeing. It also emphasised accessibility, education, and community engagement.
Supporting delivery across the Expo lifecycle
AIPH Site Inspections are central to guiding organisers in meeting benchmarks for progress, legacy, and community impact. Ongoing engagement ensures each Expo delivers significant value in horticulture and public benefit.
For more information on each project, including public progress updates, please visit:
- Expo 2029 Korat – Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
- Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026
- 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo
- 2026 Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo
Through its global Expo programme, AIPH champions the role of plants in connecting cities, cultures, and communities, underlining horticulture’s impact on the international stage.
