Watcharapol Orders Urgent Fixes for 2026 World Horticultural Expo: Golf Carts Insufficient, Ticketing Delays - Thairath English
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives"Watcharapol"Ordered urgent solutions for the World Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani after nearly 10,000 visitors crowded in on the first day, causing a shortage of golf carts and slow ticketing. He urged all parties to reorganize the system within one week, aiming to improve services ahead of the high season.
Mr. Watcharapol Khawkhum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that after inspecting and monitoring the World Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani Province on 1 November 2026—the event's opening day—he received public feedback about multiple service issues. These included insufficient trams, shuttle buses, and golf carts for tourists, limited water and food service points, delayed ticket sales, and external problems such as parking and traffic congestion.
Mr. Watcharapol said that upon learning of these problems, he convened a meeting with relevant agencies in the evening to urgently manage the situation. He coordinated with the chief of the Muang Udon Thani Police Station, who sent the deputy traffic police chief to join the meeting and oversee traffic control to organize parking and traffic flow more effectively.
Regarding issues inside the event area—including water and food services, ticket sales, and golf carts for tourist transport—he coordinated with the provincial governor, deputy governors, event organizers, and the Department of Agriculture, the main host, to urgently resolve and manage these problems. Improvements are expected within the first week.
Mr. Watcharapol stated that on the opening day, a total of 8,999 visitors attended, exceeding expectations despite the hot weather. He personally monitored meteorological forecasts, which predict cooler weather next week. Meanwhile, during the hot period, he assigned event organizers and the Department of Agriculture to increase rest areas and provide shading along connecting routes to facilitate visitor comfort.
As the high tourism season approaches in December, visitor numbers are expected to rise, with trade and industry councils forecasting up to 20,000 visitors daily—a figure likely to materialize. Relevant agencies must swiftly address initial-day issues and plan ahead to ensure readiness, since service problems were already evident with 8,999 visitors on the first day.
Mr. Watcharapol said that after completing his duties, he visited downtown Udon Thani and found many restaurants—including curry shops, northeastern Thai dishes (larb and koi), papaya salad eateries, and convenience stores—full of customers. Residents posted on social media that the World Horticultural Expo has boosted local businesses' sales.
Mr. Watcharapol said regarding accommodations that all hotels, including small lodgings, boutique hotels, and homestays, were fully booked last night. Hotel operators, associations, and tourism businesses in Udon Thani have prepared accordingly. The province can also distribute tourists to nearby network provinces such as Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, Bueng Kan, and Loei to meet increased accommodation demand. So far, there are no reports of price hikes by operators; hotel and tourism associations will monitor to prevent unfair room price increases.
Mr. Watcharapol said that initial reports show the first day's 8,999 visitors included residents of Udon Thani and neighboring provinces—Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, and Bueng Kan—as well as monks and groups from various organizations.
