Phiphat Inspects Transport Readiness for 2026 Udonthani World Horticultural Expo - Thairath English

"Phiphat" inspected transport readiness for the 2026 Udonthani World Horticultural Expo, highlighting the One Transport concept linking trains, buses, and the airport, and ordered urgent fixes to walkways and road crossings with a focus on maximum safety.

2 Nov 2026 11:00 GMT+7 Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, visited Udonthani province to monitor transport system readiness for residents and tourists attending the 2026 Udonthani World Horticultural Expo from 1 Nov 2026 to 14 Mar 2027 at the Nong Da wetland area, Kud Sa subdistrict, Mueang Udonthani district, accompanied by ministry executives and related agencies.

Mr. Phiphat said the Ministry of Transport has integrated public transport systems across rail, road, and air under the One Transport approach to provide convenient, safe, and seamless travel to the expo, with the following service preparations:

On rail, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) opened a temporary stop called “Udonthani World Horticultural Expo” from 31 Oct 2026, serving four direct train services daily: inbound—Express No. 75 Bangkok Apiwat to Nong Khai and local train No. 415 Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai; outbound—Express No. 76 Nong Khai to Bangkok Apiwat and local train No. 418 Nong Khai to Nakhon Ratchasima. Air-conditioned carriages have been added to trains 415 and 418. Passengers on other trains can disembark at Udonthani station and take the blue bus line to the expo site. Safety at platforms and rail-road crossings is strictly monitored, and passenger volumes are tracked to adjust services as needed.

Parking is arranged at 22 locations accommodating 10,578 vehicles, plus point-to-point parking for 13,283 vehicles, totaling over 23,800 spaces to reduce congestion near the event area.

Udonthani International Airport is prepared to handle about 290 weekly flights in the winter schedule from five airlines, connecting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and some flights to U-Tapao, with shuttle bus service from the airport to the expo.

Mr. Phiphat added that after gathering public feedback on site, issues were noted with some parking areas being far from the event, uneven walkways, and concerns about safety crossing multi-lane roads. He assigned related agencies, the province, and event organizers to urgently inspect and improve problematic areas, including walkways from parking lots, assigning staff to assist at crossings, and traffic management, especially for the elderly, children, and those with mobility challenges.

He also expressed concern for visitors attending during hot daytime hours, advising them to prepare sun protection and stay hydrated. He coordinated with organizers to consider rest areas and shaded spots, especially at bus waiting points and walkways from parking areas.

All agencies were instructed to continuously monitor services throughout the event, ensuring train punctuality, sufficient bus capacity, effective parking management, airport convenience, and safety on access routes, while regularly publicizing travel information to facilitate safe and convenient visits to the 2026 Udonthani World Horticultural Expo.