Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has rejected a request from the Udon Thani provincial administration for an additional 3 billion baht, on top of the 2.5 billion baht already approved by the cabinet, for the hosting of the International Horticultural Exposition in the province from November 1st, 2026 to March 17th, 2027.
At a briefing on the progress of the exposition project, during his visit to Udon Thani yesterday (Friday), the prime minister told those at the meeting that the request for 3 billion baht fund is unacceptable because the government has a limited budget and it must be allocated to other equally important projects.
He assured them, however, that the government is supportive of the project and hopes that it will boost sustainable tourism in this north-eastern province.
He suggested that the organiser of the project incorporates north-eastern culture in the event, so foreign visitors would be made aware of the cultural roots of the north-eastern people.
The expo is to be held on 160 hectares of land and a 64 hectare waterway in Nong Khae public park in Mueang district, which is now being constructed and landscaped. Exhibitors from about 20 countries are expected to participate.
During his visit to Nong Khai province, the last leg of his north-eastern inspection tour, the prime minister and his entourage met with private sector representatives and local people.
The private sector has urged his government to speed up the construction of the high-speed train system, linking Nong Khai with Bangkok, and to build the second Thai-Lao Bridge, claiming that the existing Thai-Lao friendship bridge cannot accommodate train and car transport at the same time, resulting in bottlenecks.
The private sector also proposed that the government ease immigration restrictions, to promote tourism in Nong Khai.
The government group left Udon Thani by train, heading to Nong Khai this morning. Also on the train were business leaders from Udon Thani, who were seen huddled in discussion with the prime minister and his staff.
The train stopped at Na Tha station, which has been designated as a cargo terminal for the dual-track train project, to allow the prime minister and his team to receive a briefing on the progress of the project.
