Business groups in Nakhon Ratchasima have urged the government to accelerate budget allocations for the 2029 World Horticultural Expo, warning time is running short to complete preparations for the international event.
Sawat Mangkornwat, president of the Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Association, said on Sunday that the international horticultural exposition is a matter of national pride and not solely a provincial project.
He said private sector organisations had jointly raised concerns with local MPs over delays in funding needed to drive the master plan for the event, to be held from Nov 10, 2029 to Feb 28, 2030.
"Preparations have progressed through cooperation between the public and private sectors, but budget constraints remain a key obstacle," he said.
He said the event would enhance Thailand's global reputation and generate broad economic benefits.
The province's hospitality sector was prepared to accommodate international visitors, with three-star to five-star hotels offering tens of thousands of rooms.
Meanwhile, five major private sector organisations, including the provincial chamber of commerce, industrial federation, tourism council, banking association and hotel group, met MPs from both government and opposition parties on Sunday to review progress and push for faster implementation of the master plan.
Participants agreed the event, approved by the International Association of Horticultural Producers in 2019, would be held on a 1,000-rai site in Thephalai subdistrict of Khong district. They said it would showcase agricultural innovation and generate long-term economic benefits for the region.
Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce chairman Paijit Manasilp said private sector groups supported the project and rejected speculation that the province might lose its hosting rights.
He said efforts were focused on securing budget approval for the master plan and ensuring the project stayed on schedule.
He outlined proposals to improve transport access, including a special "Korat Express" rail service from Bangkok, charter flights to Nakhon Ratchasima Airport and shuttle buses linking key transport hubs to the site in Khong district.
The government approved a budget allocation of 4.2 billion baht for the World Horticultural Expo in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2024.
