People's Party Proposes 120-Day Rescue Plan for Udon Thani Flora Expo
The People's Party has demanded urgent government action to salvage the struggling World Flora Expo in Udon Thani, where daily visitors are 33% below target. The opposition party proposed three working teams to overhaul event management, boost local tourism integration, and investigate alleged corruption within 120 days. MPs also raised environmental concerns over wastewater contamination and opposed transferring the site to the provincial administration, citing a lack of budget transparency.
At a press conference at Parliament on November 9 at 9:30 a.m., Thanakorn Chamaphom, a former People's Party MP candidate for Udon Thani, outlined problems and proposals to revive the World Flora Expo. As a local business owner, he said Udon Thani residents had high hopes for the event, but persistent issues have caused disappointment. The expo's format differs from what was discussed, and many party proposals were ignored, leading to significant problems.
Thanakorn acknowledged some areas are beautiful, but the overall event fails to meet public expectations and harms the environment. Wastewater from the site is flowing into Nong Da, a water source for four villages. He vowed to push for fixes to prevent community environmental damage. Local vendors inside the expo have also been severely affected; he urged relocating them closer to the main fairgrounds for better tourist access. Currently, government agencies meet among themselves with minimal private-sector or public participation.
"Udon Thani people want the Flora Expo to welcome tourists from across the country and the world, and for locals to benefit. The key is participation from all sides. Whatever has happened, we must fix it anew," Thanakorn said. He called for provincial measures to engage the private sector and public, including an official public relations page. He also questioned the international gardens section, noting only two countries have participated so far, and demanded the Department of Agriculture release terms of reference for transparency.
People's Party MP for Udon Thani, Anan Amarin, said that one week in, the expo attracted about 40,000 visitors daily — far below the government's 60,000 target. Criticism has mounted over quality and alleged budget corruption. The government had promised 81,000 new jobs in Udon Thani, but no figures have materialized. Anan proposed three main teams to overhaul the expo within 120 days: first, improve event management, content, amenities, and hours; second, link Udon Thani's economy with added activities and tourism packages; third, investigate corruption and disclose information.
Anan added that after the expo, the Department of Agriculture plans to hand the site to the Udon Thani PAO, which he distrusts. He cited a 19.9 million baht procurement project for golden showers involving the PAO, noting current and past administrators are connected. Information suggests further irregularities.
