Horticulture Fest Opens In Chiang Mai

[webfact]

ROYAL FLORA RATCHAPHRUEK

Horticulture fest opens in Chiang Mai

PREMYUDA BOONROJ,

VARATYA CHAILANGKA

THE NATION

Chiang Mai

Three-month exposition devoted to the environment and His Majesty

After being delayed for weeks due to the flood crisis, the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 officially opened its doors yesterday, with beautiful gardens, magnificent shows, intriguing horticultural displays of over 2,500 species as well as contests and symposiums.

Although the opening ceremony, to be presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindorn, has been postponed to January 15, Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut, who led the flag-raising function yesterday, said the 92-day horticultural expo, which runs until March 14, would certainly attract 2 million visitors as targeted. He added that up to 40,000 visitors were expected daily.

Tourism Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa said the 2 million visitors targeted were expected to spend at least Bt5,000 per person, so the expo should generate earnings of about Bt10 billion. Chumpol added that, despite the flood crisis, Thailand should have about 18.5 million tourists at the end of this month, generating Bt700 billion - a rise from last year's Bt600 billion during the same period.

Yesterday, many groups of tourists and students were seen enjoying the gardens, shows and exhibitions highlighting the expo's theme of "Greenitude: Reducing Global Warming to Save Planet Earth and Improving the Quality of Life".

Other than the impressive "Giant Flora Wheel", which provides a lofty view of the 470-rai display from a height of 42 metres, the promoters have included two new additions to boost an interest in protecting the environment. The Kids' Eco Park offers exciting, yet educational activities to inspire the next generation to care for their environment and understand the global-warming issue, while the "Imagination Light Garden" bursts into colour from 6.30pm, displaying illuminated butterflies moving in time to music. All the lighting is powered by solar cells.

Siriwan Kritnampok, who was there with her four-year-old daughter, said that though the view from above was impressive, she hoped rides on the Giant Flora Wheel lasted longer in order to justify the Bt120-per-head ticket. The giant wheel only turns three times.

Tanupat Namongkol and Pumipat Hengsiri, ninth-graders from Nakhon Si Thammarat's Benjamarachutit School, said they liked the interactive Bug World the best because they got to learn about rare insects, how they can be protected and how they are important to the environment.

Just like Royal Flora 2006, this year's expo also showcases gardens done up by 30 countries including new entries from Pakistan, South Korea, Nepal, Yemen, Canada and Malaysia's economy airline AirAsia, which had an aircraft on a globe as its centrepiece. Also on offer were displays from 39 leading national organisations, most of which emphasised the environment protection theme.

Toyota Motor Thailand presented a six-minute 3D movie entitled "The Replacement Book" as well as interactive games in order to promote awareness about global warming and the need to conform with His Majesty's philosophy of sustainable development. Toyota is also using the event to introduce its 4R-4I concept: Reduce CO2, Reduce Energy, Reduce Water, Reduce Waste, Improve Green/Happy Workplace, Improve Employees/Stakeholders' Satisfaction, Improve Employees' Participation in Social Contribution, Improve CSR Network.

Just like the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 was organised to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne, this year's expo marks the King's 84th birthday this month, Her Majesty the Queen's 80th birthday next August, and HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 60th birthday in July. An exhibition of His Majesty's work entitled "84 Years under the Great King's Prestige" is being held at the Hor Kham Royal Pavilion, while another display shows the initiatives and projects of Their Majesties and HRH the Crown Prince related to agriculture.

Visit www.RoyalFlora2011.com for more information.

-- The Nation 2011-12-15

[Thailand]

Went today on a "golf cart" tour just to get the layout for future visits with the multi entry card,impressive and many more food and drink stations plus a good food selection on the way out.

Downside,very private car unfriendly as it appears only the various pay to park private areas are available and some way from the actual entry point.

There were hundreds of empty parking spots in the original parking areas near to the entrance but only access for exhibitors/vips etc from what we could see.

[ricardofel]

Went today on a "golf cart" tour just to get the layout for future visits with the multi entry card,impressive and many more food and drink stations plus a good food selection on the way out.

Downside,very private car unfriendly as it appears only the various pay to park private areas are available and some way from the actual entry point.

There were hundreds of empty parking spots in the original parking areas near to the entrance but only access for exhibitors/vips etc from what we could see.

And I was told 800 baht to go in one time!!!!

[bobl]

And I was told 800 baht to go in one time!!!!

No, that's for multiple entry... it's 200 - 100 if you have a Chiang Mai ID.

I don't know how many times you can enter with the multiple entry pass. I don't think the 50% discount for having a Chiang Mai ID is indefinite but not sure about that either.

When I arrived, I followed the signs for "private cars" which uncerimoniously simply booted us right out of the park... Went around again and my other half managed to talk her way through, we ended up parking very near the main entrance. But yes I agree, very unfriendly to private cars and I doubt many people will be able to con their way in like we did, I think we just got lucky...

The one thing that struck me was the dozens of bags of litter strewn around all the garbage points. It wasn't that busy either, if they can't organise to get the litter removed fast enough now I'd hate to see how it's going to be when it's real busy.

Other than that (which was only an observation, didn't really detract from the experience) I'd say it's worth a visit.

[briley]

No reduction for Chiang Mai ID (whatever that is).

Half price for little people and those over 60.

[bobl]

No reduction for Chiang Mai ID (whatever that is).

Half price for little people and those over 60.

It's a Thai national ID card issued in Chiang Mai.

I asked her how come we only paid 300 she said "Today people from Chiang Mai half price". So I dunno - I'm not gonna lose sleep over it. Maybe you're right it was only today not for the whole 3 months...