The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) members consist of thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants around the world who are together united by one essential goal – promoting the place of plants in people’s lives.
AIPH hosts several conferences, webinars and events such as the International Grower of the Year award throughout the year. Read about these along with the latest news about the association’s activities.
AIPH’s key aim is to stimulate demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide. We are committed to supporting growers in achieving this by protecting and promoting the interests of the industry.
Site Inspection | Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026
AIPH welcomes Udon Thani’s impressive solidarity in preparation for the 2026 International Horticultural Expo
In July, the AIPH Site Inspection Committee* arrived in Udon Thani, a city in the Greater Mekong region hosting the International Horticultural Expo 2026.
They received a warm welcome from Mr Wanchai Kongkasame, Governor of Udon Thani province, city administration, Ministry of Agriculture of Thailand (an AIPH member), and Mrs Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
During their visit, the delegation gained valuable insights into the local community and their commitment to the project by visiting the Boon Non Kok Ancient Fabric Learning Center and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center.
In the evening, a welcome dinner was hosted. It featured traditional costumes and was entertained with performance arts, which included the Lion Dance and Eng Kor Dance.
Mr Bill Hardy, AIPH Vice President, addressed the audience, emphasising the importance of using plants and landscaping effectively to address climate change, improve citizens’ well-being, and create sustainable cities for the future.
Inspection of the Expo Site
The Department of Agriculture is collaborating with Udon Thani Province and partners to plan the Horticultural Expo 2026. The National Committee oversees foreign affairs, competitions, academics, and horticultural technology.
On 17 July 2023, AIPH met with Mr Wanchai Kongkasame, Governor of Udon Thani Province and Dr Wilawan Kraikruan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture, to discuss the progress of the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026.
The team has been working hard to organise meetings, prepare work plans, and begin operations, including designing and managing the Exposition Site in Udon Thani Province.
Dr Wilawan Kraikruan, Deputy Director General, Department of Agriculture.
Dr Kraikruan summarised the progress and emphasised the Expo’s importance in her speech. She said, “The Department of Agriculture is responsible for the administration and management of the overall task of the National Committee, namely the Steering Committee, Chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Executive Committee, Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives, which has the role and responsibility for academic and international affairs in various areas, including foreign affairs, competitions, academics, horticultural management technology. Multiple processes have been carried out to organise meetings, prepare work plans, and start operations following the design, area management, and landscape and construction for the Exposition Site here at the Udon Thani Province. The works on the ground are going on progressively, although there may be some challenges and constraints, but I can assure you all that it is manageable.
“As the Co-organiser of the World Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani and as an AIPH member, I am confident that the World Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani 2026 will be as successful as the past ones. ”
Productive meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture
Mr Apai Suttisunk, the Deputy Permanent Secretary.
On the final day, Mr Apai Suttisunk, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Mr Rapeepat Chandrasriwong, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture, warmly received the AIPH at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The meeting was highly anticipated and exceeded expectations, resulting in productive dialogues and significant collaborations between Thailand and AIPH. The officials’ enthusiastic reception and the positive outcomes of the meeting reflect the strong commitment of both parties towards the advancement and development of the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026.
‘AIPH looks forward to supporting Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo for a successful mega-event in 2026.’
Thailand’s previous successful horticultural Expos were approved by AIPH in 2006 and 2011, which greatly enhanced Thailand’s reputation regionally and globally, benefiting various sectors in the country.
* AIPH Site Inspection Committee: Mr Bill Hardy, AIPH Vice President and Chair of Green City Committee; Mr Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General; Mrs Karen Tambayong, AIPH Representative of Region VIII; Mr Kevin Chung, AIPH Chair of Exhibitions Committee; Mrs Elena Terekhova, AIPH International Relations Manager.
One million tree planting project
The Expo’s Million Trees Project was put into action during AIPH’s visit on 18 July when the delegates rolled up their sleeves to plant Tecoma’ Orange Jubilees’ alongside Mr Wanchai Kongkasame, Governor of Udon Thani and Mrs Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at Thung Si Muang, Udon Thani.
