Nakhon Ratchasima Horticultural Expo Relocation Sparks Debate on Opportunity Distribution

THE cabinet decision to relocate Nakhon Ratchasima World Horticultural Expo 2029, now renamed Expo 2029 Korat Thailand, from Khong district to Pak Chong district of this northeastern province is a significant turning point for a project that has been prepared for many years while raises key questions about development and distribution of opportunities, Amarin TV said today (Sept. 2). The main reason for the change stems from a study by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) comparing the readiness and cost-effectiveness of both areas. Pak Chong was deemed to have better infrastructure and facilities, including transportation, hospitals, hotels, and accommodations, while Khong district faces several limitations. Furthermore, holding the event in Khong District would require significant additional government funding. From a budget management perspective, this reasoning is understandable. However, when “readiness” and “cost-effectiveness” are the key factors in choosing a location, another question arises: Should the government measure the cost-effectiveness of public investment solely on economic viability, or should it also include the economic opportunities that the investment could create for areas lacking such opportunities? Pak Chong was chosen because of its greater readiness in several aspects The rationale for supporting the relocation is quite clear. Pak Chong is one of Nakhon Ratchasima’s key tourist areas and already has established infrastructure, including roads, railways, accommodations, hospitals, and service businesses. This means that holding a large-scale event there does not require starting all infrastructure investment from scratch. The initial review of the event location stemmed from a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to the cabinet secretariat. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul then assigned NESDC to study and compare the cost-effectiveness of holding the event in Khong or Pak Chong district. An NESDC team visited Khong during Aug. 14-15 to assess the progress of preparations, including master planning, obtaining certification under the Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE) criteria, land and area management, infrastructure preparation, transportation systems, utilities, medical services, accommodations, and the capacity to accommodate a large number of visitors. Agricultural and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said should the event remain in Khong district significant additional investment would be required to develop necessary infrastructure and facilities. The cabinet resolution stipulates that the new event location is Pak Chong district and under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, thus eliminating the need for additional land purchases and reducing long-term government budget burden. Location changed but the budget remains the same Although the cabinet approved the proposal to change the event location for cost-effectiveness reasons, the budget remains at 4.281 billion baht, as per cabinet resolution of Jan. 4, 2022. Furthermore, the cabinet acknowledged a central budget of 88.33 million baht for commissioning a master plan design and detailed planning for the event location, and another 6 million baht for reviewing readiness and preparing documentation to accommodate this change. The decision needed to be made quickly because Thailand must demonstrate the readiness of the new location to the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), which is responsible for certifying the event and setting standards, by Friday Sept. 4. Approval from BIE is also required by Oct. 6. Therefore, the government has instructed Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to expedite the preparation of master and legacy plans for Pak Chong area to ensure the site preparation meets standards and can be used continuously after the event. From hope to disappointment for Khong district people For people in Khong district and surrounding areas, the World Horticultural Expo was seen as a project of hope that would bring investment and development to the area. The government’s relocation of the event venue inevitably brought disappointment. Mr. Paisan Kiatchaipat, mayor of Mueang Khong subdistrict, commented before the cabinet’s final decision that the local people had been waiting for and preparing for the event, hoping it would help develop infrastructure, the economy, tourism, create jobs, and create new opportunities for the people in the area. While acknowledging that Pak Chong is more ready and has potential in many aspects, he pointed out that this did not mean Khong district lacks the capacity or ability to host the event if given the opportunity and serious support. “I don’t want this to become a conflict among the people of Nakhon Ratchasima. I just want the voices of the people of Khong district to be heard, and for the hopes to be fulfilled fairly. Because true development shouldn’t only shine the light on areas that are already thriving but should also extend opportunities to areas that are waiting in hope.” Representatives from eight outlying districts of Nakhon Ratchasima, led by Mr. Thawil Rattanaporn, deputy mayor of Non Daeng subdistrict, submitted a letter to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives last Friday (Aug. 28), requesting a review of the proposed relocation and a delay in submitting the matter to the cabinet. Mr. Noppol Lueangthongna, chairman of this House committee, suggested that the consideration of the event location should not be solely based on economic viability and monetary return, but should also consider the distribution of opportunities, equality, social dimensions, and the improvement of the quality of life for the people in the area. What will happen in Khong district? A crucial question regarding the relocation of the event is what will happen to Khong district, which had already been prepared to host the event. Representatives of the farmer network and community enterprise entrepreneurs in Khong district stated that the 678 rai of Thep Phalai land selected as the venue has already undergone site preparation, including the development of an irrigation system costing over a hundred million baht. They want the government to clarify how the investment and prepared land will be utilised if the event is moved. The government has mandated the creation of a legacy plan for Khong district area, with Nakhon Ratchasima province and related agencies jointly planning the utilisation of the prepared land. The plan will allow for public participation, including farmers and stakeholders, with the goal of ensuring the area can continue to generate income, improve the quality of life, and enhance the livelihoods of local people, even after the event is cancelled. Less developed areas lag behind when decision rests on readiness One important issue raised by locals and those