Giant Mascot Wapee Promotes Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo
A 10-meter-tall floating mascot named Wapee is touring Udon Thani and Bangkok to promote the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, Thailand's first world horticultural expo in the Northeast. The mascot will feature at the Loy Krathong festival from November 22-25, which includes light art installations, a digital krathong experience, and a youth talent contest, all designed to boost tourism while promoting environmental sustainability.
The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 is preparing to add color and stimulate tourism with "Wapee," a giant 10-meter-tall floating mascot displayed on water at Nong Prajak Silpakom Park in Udon Thani from November 11-15, 2026, before traveling to Bangkok to appear at Lumpini Park from November 16-20. It will then return to welcome tourists at the expo site in the Nong Da wetland from November 22-25 for the Loy Krathong festival.
"Wapee" means "marsh" or "wetland," symbolizing the fertility of wetland areas that nurture biodiversity, reflecting the relationship between "water, plants, and life." Its design draws inspiration from the red lotus of the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani, combined with Ban Chiang pottery patterns on a lotus-petal-shaped costume, conveying the province's natural identity and cultural heritage.
Another major highlight is the "Saeng Chan Pheng" festival, a contemporary Loy Krathong and light art festival under the concept "Light of the Full Moon Night, Illuminating Isan Art Charm," held November 22-25 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Tum Hom grounds within the expo site. The night garden will be illuminated with contemporary light sculptures blending natural beauty and Isan cultural arts, offering a tourism experience that connects Thai traditions with technology and environmental conservation.
Six light art highlights and check-in points include "Hom Kwan," a color-shaded dome inspired by bai si and cotton threads; "Krathong Athithan," a light-adorned krathong area linking wishes to waterways; "Thung Prakai Saeng," a glowing tunnel walkway conveying Isan handicraft charm; "Naka Len Chan," a light sculpture of the Phaya Nak reflecting riverside life; "Bua Ban Tai Chan," a large illuminated lotus garden; and "Saphan Chan," a moonlit decorated walkway creating a romantic atmosphere.
On November 24, the "World Horticultural Expo Noppamas Youth Contest 2026" gives young people a stage to showcase talent and promote the eco-friendly Loy Krathong concept, alongside the "Digital Loy Krathong" activity where visitors send wishes via virtual krathongs on LED screens without releasing physical krathongs into water sources, reducing environmental impact. Tourists are invited to wear Thai traditional dress and Isan local fabric to experience Thai cultural charm in a contemporary atmosphere, adding color to Thailand's first international horticultural expo in the Northeast.
