The location of the Korat World Horticultural Expo 2029 will change from Khong to Pak Chong district following a review by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) that found Pak Chong better prepared in terms of transport and communications, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said today.
Suriya chaired a meeting of the expo committee yesterday, which approved the relocation following an order from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for the NESDC to review the long-term value of the investment.
The Korat Expo 2029 is an A1-level international horticultural exhibition scheduled to run for 110 days from November 10, 2029 to February 28, 2030.
The committee had originally approved Khong district as the venue and was preparing to seek central funds to develop the event’s master plan.
The study found that Pak Chong was more suitable and better prepared. The proposed 140-hectare site is under the supervision of Suriya’s ministry and can be used immediately, eliminating the need to purchase land.
The site also has fertile soil and is near a water source fed by Lam Takhong Dam, in line with requirements set by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
Suriya said Pak Chong is also well equipped with infrastructure and tourism facilities, including transport links, utilities, medical facilities and accommodation.
It also has tourist attractions and activities that can be linked to the expo throughout the year without requiring major additional infrastructure investment.
Pak Chong is served by public buses, trains and roads linking the district with Bangkok. It also has hospitals and enough hotel rooms to accommodate a large number of visitors, Suriya said.
The original venue has limitations in terms of facilities and infrastructure, and retaining it would require substantial additional expenditure to improve public utilities and other infrastructure, he said.
Nakhon Ratchasima Airport currently has no commercial flights, but its facilities and personnel are in place and it could prepare its operations to accommodate commercial flights.
Suriya said the committee’s decision will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration on September 1, ahead of its presentation to AIPH on September 4. He stressed that the decision was based on the NESDC study, which included field surveys and consultations with the private sector and local residents.
Suriya dismissed speculation that the proposed relocation was intended to benefit politically connected business groups, noting that several major hotel operators already have properties in the Khao Yai area.
“I don't think the two issues are related, although I cannot deny that these hotels would benefit. They have been operating there for a long time,” he said.
As for the original venue, where some site preparation has already been carried out, Suriya said provincial authorities and relevant agencies will have to reassess the area and determine how it could be put to appropriate use for the country’s benefit.
