RESIDENTS of Nakhon Ratchasima’s (Korat’s) Khong district are fuming at National Economic and Social Development Council’s (NESDC’s) proposal to move the location of Nakhon Ratchasima World Horticultural Expo 2029 to Pak Chong district and threatened to block Mittraphab highway if cabinet approves the move, Amarin TV said today (Aug. 31).
Mr. Thawil Rattanaporn, deputy mayor of Non Daeng subdistrict, Non Daeng district, and Mr. Veeravit Chuechanat, or Teacher Oat, a representative of farmers and community enterprise network in Khong district voiced their objection to the planned shift to the media as this has significant repercussions.
“On Friday, August 28, 2026, I and representatives submitted letters to several agencies and authorities, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, NESDC, and Parliament, requesting a halt and delay in raising the agenda item on relocating Korat Expo 2029 from Khong district to Pak Chong district at the cabinet meeting.
“The reason given was the lack of cost-effectiveness. The group protesting strongly disagrees and vehemently opposes this. Holding the event in its original location in the lower Isaan zone will benefit and distribute income widely across the lower, central, and upper Isaan regions, as well as connecting to the northern region bordering Isaan. It will stimulate the economy and spending in Khong district and surrounding areas, generating income for the local population.
“Therefore, we do not want the venue changed. If the plan proceeds, we will clearly express our stance that we will not allow the change of venue and will definitely stage protests by blocking roads.
“We will take full responsibility for all consequences,” Thawil said.
Veeravit expressed his dismay, stating, “What happened? The cabinet under former prime minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha approved a budget of 4.281 billion baht and choose the ‘Thep Phalai’ land (678 rai) in Khong district to be the venue for Korat World Horticultural Expo, and it has received international certification.
“However, the current Ministry of Agriculture, using NESDC as a tool, is citing a lack of readiness to relocate the event to Pak Chong district…I disagree with using the number of available rooms – Pak Chong has tens of thousands of rooms, while Khong district only has 90 – to judge the lack of readiness. I believe this comparison is unfair, and there has been no clear explanation to the local people.”
A portion of the budget, over a hundred million baht, has already been spent on irrigation, he said, adding that he suspected that relocating to Pak Chong district would directly benefit a certain group.
“The argument that holding the event in Khong district would require a high budget stems from the fact that the government has never developed this area equally (to other districts) before. If development had occurred earlier, the budget needed to prepare for the event would not be as high as claimed.
“Therefore, I declare my stance that the Korat Horticultural Expo must be held in Khong district only. Tomorrow, we will gather to express our stance symbolically in a democratic way if the venue is changed,” he said.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit earlier said that NESDC has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the two areas.
The study found that Pak Chong district has significantly more potential and readiness in many dimensions, including its transportation network with buses, trains, and direct road connecting to Bangkok. Furthermore, it has medical facilities and a sufficient number of hotel and resort rooms to accommodate a large number of attendees.
This contrasts with Khong district, which has limitations in terms of facilities. If the original venue is insisted on, a significant additional budget will be needed to build basic infrastructure, he pointed out.
Regarding the management of the original area in Khong district, where some land preparation has already begun, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima and relevant agencies in the area will be assigned to jointly consider ways to appropriately utilise the land for maximum benefit to the people and the country, Suriya said.
This proposal to change the venue of Korat World Horticultural Expo is scheduled to be submitted to the cabinet meeting tomorrow (Sept.1) for official approval, in order to meet the deadline for presenting the report at the Association of International Horticultural Expositions (AIPH) meeting on Sept. 4 this year.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: The site in Khong district where the Korat World Horticultural Expo 2029 was scheduled to be held.
First insert: Mr. Thawil Rattanaporn.
Second insertL Mr. Veeravit Chuechanat. Photos – Amarin TV
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