Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006

[Jai Dee]

ROYAL FLORA RATCHAPHRUEK 2006

International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King

November 1, 2006 - January 31, 2007

In 2006, the Thai nation comes together to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne in 2006 and His Majesty's Eightieth Birthday in 2007. To mark this momentous occasion, “Royal Flora Ratchaphruek” is one of the grand celebrations being hosted by the Royal Thai Government in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the ninth ruler of the illustrious Chakri Dynasty and the world’s longest reigning monarch.

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, one of the world’s finest tropical flower, fruit and plant expositions befitting the name, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 – International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, will be hosted in the city of Chiang Mai from November 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007.

Through Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 — International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, the Thai people come together to express their utmost gratitude for His Majesty’s benevolence, care and concern. Time-honored traditions will be observed; only the very finest available will be presented to the ‘Devaraja’ or ‘Divine King’. Celebrations of this magnitude happen only once in decades.

Thailand will be joined by her international friends – nations with whom Thailand has shared historical, cultural, diplomatic and trade ties, many spanning centuries. Over 30 countries are expected to participate in ‘Gardens for the King’. The International Gardens will feature unique or innovative landscaping and horticultural highlights from the participant’s homeland.

More information from the TAT website here

[Jai Dee]

Visitors to Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 advised to plan their trip ahead

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Mr. Thira Sutabutr (ธีระ สูตะบุตร), suggested people who would like to visit the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 to plan ahead for their trip as the number of tickets sold has reached the target and only few are available.

In the meantime, the number of hotel rooms and accommodations is facing a shortage problem. Traffic plans have been developed to handle the increasing number of vehicles around the exhibited areas. Moreover, today is the grand opening of the event. Therefore, more than 100 schools in Muang District of Chiang Mai has announced that today is a holiday, in order to prevent heavy traffic congestions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Royal Flora 2006 exhibition opens

Chiang Mai - Thousands of tourists were allowed to enter the compound of the Royal Flora 2006 Ratchaphruek at 7 am Wednesday, two hours before the schedule.

The organiser allowed the visitors to enter the compound ahead of the schedule after the tourists jam-packed the area in front of the entrance.

Source: The Nation - 1 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially opens the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 show in Chiang Mai. The international horticultural exposition runs until January 31 next year.

Source: The Nation - 2 November 2006

[PeaceBlondie]

My partner and I have season tickets and are going today. He understands there are no private motor vehicles allowed inside the park, and it's best to take public transport (mind you, we live only 2km from the exhibit). Does anybody have transport details?

The TV coverage last night was breathtaking.

[Jai Dee]

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006’s opening ceremony for International Garden today

Today (Nov 2), the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 International Horticultural Exposition will arrange an opening ceremony for the International Garden of Indonesia, Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

Meanwhile, the exhibitor has reminded the tourists to plan their trip ahead of time so that they can enjoy the exposition without missing any attractive spots.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 November 2006

[Joon]

Peace Blondie-

There's a thread in the CNX forum.

Enjoy!

[Jai Dee]

Queen Sirikit being displayed at Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

Her Majesty the Queen has granted “Queen Sirikit” roses to be showcased at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 International Horticultural Exposition. Queen Sirikit is a bright yellow rose that is being grown in Bhubing Palace, in Doi Buak Ha, Muang District of Chiang Mai Province.

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 International Horticultural Exposition is being held to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne together with His Majesty’s 80th Birthday Anniversary. The event has drawn in a large number of tourists, and they can marvel at numerous varieties of plants and flowers from Thailand and abroad here. Educational institutes and various agencies have jointly arranged this exposition under the theme of “To Express the Love for Humanity”. Floras that could not be seen in common places are being showcased in this event such as Donya, Queen Sirikit, Magnolia Sirindhorn, and Chulabhorn Rose.

Chiang Mai University has also selected the most delightful vegetables and fruits along with various utensils for the visitors to behold. Tourists can also see the traditional and innovative tools for farming and learn different ways of cultivating at the exposition.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Brunei's Indoor Garden At Thai Flora Expo Ranked 2nd

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam came in second place in the indoor gardening category at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo 2006 in Thailand this week.

Japan was ranked first in that category while Sudan came in third, Thai newspapers reported.

Meanwhile, in the large-scale landscape gardening (above 1,000 sq metres), Japan's "Garden of Luck" bagged first prize. Second prize went to the Netherlands' postcard-shaped tulip garden, while third prize went to China.

In the small-scale gardening category, Belgium beat all the other countries with its coiled shell-shaped garden filled with local flowers.

The expo, which, is being held at the 80-hectare Mae Hia of Chiang Mai's Muang District, comprises over 3.4 million tries from 35 countries.

The expo will run until the end of Jan 2007, where around 30,000 visitors are expected to visit the garden daily.

Source: Borneo Bulletin - 3 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Almost 20,000 people attended Royal Flora Ratchaphreuk 2006 yesterday

The number of people who attended the Royal Flora Ratchaphreuk 2006 on the third day yesterday (Oct 3) was almost 20,000 people.

Over the past three days, massive number of tourists visited the Royal Flora Ratchaphreuk 2006. On the third day alone, about 17,000 people entered the event. Many more people are expected to come to the expo this weekend, adding that it coincides with the Loy Krathong Festival. Tomorrow, the expo will be opened until midnight.

As for today, a parade is being conducted from 9 AM to 1 PM, and musical concert is being performed between 11 AM to 2 PM. At 3.30 PM, the province of Suphan Buri will showcase its cultural arts. This evening, electrical parade and a water display will be shown.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Loy Krathong at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

A Loy Krathong Festival was held last night (Oct 5) at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006. The name of the event was “Loy Krathong – Festival of Light”, and it attracted tons of tourists.

More than 40,000 tourists visited the exposition yesterday, and many of them were very impressed with the activities and the shows conducted. Activities such as Yipeng (the floating of lanterns), traditional dances and concerts as well as a special show and a parade of the day kicked off at 6 PM yesterday.

Numerous tourists stayed at the exposition until midnight to witness and enjoy the festivities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, second from right, chairman of the Council for National Security, takes a stroll inside the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 exhibition grounds in Chiang Mai yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 6 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Internal Trade Department to curb products w/ unusally high prices in Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

The Department of Internal Trade is rapidly dealing with the complaints relating to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, while asking the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for cooperation.

The Director-General of the Internal Trade Department, Mr. Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, revealed that people have continually called the 1569 hotline to complain about products being sold in the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 at unjust prices. The Internal Trade Department has then submitted a letter to the Department of Agriculture in order for the mobile units to inspect and regulate the business operators.

The Internal Trade Department has also asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to allow 20 Internal Trade officers to inspect all areas in the expo. In addition, five Blue-Flag caravans have been launched in the expo so visitors can buy food items at only 10 baht each.

Mr. Siripol expects that this cooperation will help mitigate the difficulties of the people who are visiting the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 November 2006

[danone]

unfortunately the exhibition degenerates into a typical thai thing.

the rarest flowers and plants are stolen already - can you imagine?

and at the end of the show visitors are forced to walk an endless array of shops selling this and that.

disgusting.

and its hot at the park, I tell you. you see people lying around in shadows. no wind, no nothing.

there are wonderful spots to be seen at the exhibition.

but the cheap squeezing of visitors leaves a bad taste.

by the way: they changed the access, you're allowed to drive by private car to the exhibition. parking fee for a day is around 60 baht.

[Heng]

Amusing to think that this is one of Thaksin's projects that is being promoted by all.

We're in the flower business and IMO there's nothing of interest to see up there at this show.

[Jai Dee]

Malaysia sends national dance troupe to perform at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

Malaysia's National Theatre representative Abdul Asis Idris <อับดุล อาซิส ไอดริส> led a group of more than 20 artistes to perform national cultural show at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 in Chiang mai Province.

The show from Malaysia reflects good relationship between the two countries and also offers a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of His ascension to the throne.

The Malaysian cultural show comprises six performances namely the Supremacy of Heritage, the Indian Dance, the Chinese Dance, the Saba and Sarawak dances, the Zapin Dance and the Fiesta Dance. The show reflects the difference in races of people in Malaysia who all form into one nation. The Malaysian cultural shows are being performed at the Grand Ampitheartre until 13th November 2006.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Many tourists visit Orchid Pavilion in Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

The atmosphere at the Orchid Pavilion in the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, Chiang Mai province is animated, while at least 95 percent of the visitors in the expo have visited this pavilion.

Many Thai and foreign tourists have continually arrived at the Orchid Pavilion in the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 since morning. A magnificent showcase of 50,000 orchid plants representing nearly 10,000 orchid species can be seen here. Numerous associations and provinces have displayed their beautiful orchid flowers, while masses of visitors in this pavilion are taking photographs of the plants as souvenirs.

The exhibition is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Department of Agriculture and Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, along with the Ornamental Plants Association of Thailand, numerous orchid clubs and associations, educational institutions and other related government organizations. It is supported by the International Society for Horticultural Science and the World Flower Council.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department -17 November 2006

[ratsalad]

Can anyone help me with this...

I am visiting Chiang Mai with some relatives in December. Tried to book tickets online for the Royal Flora Expo but the system said it was sold out.

I tried emailing the organisers but their answers were not too helpful.

Anyone knows whether there will be tickets for sale on the day itself at the entrance, although "advanced tickets" are sold out?

I also heard it's possible to get season tickets and get in on any day, whether it's sold out or not?

Any advice is appreciated!

[leisurely]

I got mine in Central at the customer services counter. The man who served me had a photocopied piece of paper showing the dates and highlighting the fully booked ones. 100 baht for adults and 50 for children and those over 60. Bargain. Except for the air fares and hotel bills

[Ryan Bangkoker]

I got my tickets in the hotel were i was staying in Chiang Mai. 100 bht for adults. It is worth the money. The orchids are amazing. I went by car there. Easy to find and loads of parking space, if you come at 0900u. There is also a free shuttle bus service. Several pick up points in the city.

One thing: the exit of the park is on the other side, so you have to walk far and through many vendor stalls to get back to your bus, car or whatever.

What got my attention, are articles in the Bangkok Post and Nation about the fake flowers. The flowers are giving in to the heat, as it is not so cool as expected. The dead flowers been replaced by fake ones.

If this is true, it is no use to go to the flora.

[jexon]

I loved the orchids too! I didn't know about the thefts and the dead flowers. Such a shame.

The season (multiple entry) ticket/card costs 400B. And yes, u can go any day.

I just updated my blog with lots of photos from the Royal Flora expo. Check it out and feel free to comment!

Jexon

My blog

[ovenman]

The season (multiple entry) ticket/card costs 400B. And yes, u can go any day.

According to an article in yesterday's Bangkok Post, they are no longer selling multiple-entry tickets for the Royal Flora Expo.

[Jai Dee]

No more 400-baht tickets are available at the Royal Flora Ratchapreuk 2006

Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives Ministry has decided to stop selling 400-baht tickets of the Royal Flora Ratchapreuk 2006 after the number of visitors have increased rapidly. Staff members said the expoition can hardly hold the growing number of visitors especially at this time of year.

According to the flora organizer, the number of visitors yesterday 60,000. With the huge number of visitors, officials claim that they are unable to provide convenience to all of them. As a result, the ministry has decided to cancel the sale of 400-baht tickets which allow them entrance to the expo anytime until end of January next year. Officials claim that the Expo can hold to a maximum of 50,000 visitors each day only.

However, the 400-baht tickets may be distributed again in January next year. As for the expansion of period of the expo, the Office of Agricultural Economics Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Phinij Kosriporn (พินิจ กอศรีพร) has not confirmed the report yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 6 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

200,000 foreign visitors expected at the Royal Ratchaphruek 2006

Director-General of the Department of Agriculture Adisak Srisappakij (อดิศักดิ์ ศรีสรรพกิจ) revealed that more than 50,000 tourists have visited the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 each day, more than the expected number of 30,000. However, the organizing committee affimes that it is able to maintain its standards to facilitate the visitors. 70 percent of Thai visitors are from other regions while 30 percent are from the North.

At present the number foreign visitors has exceeded 70,000. Most of them are Japanese, followed by German, Chinese, and Scandinavian respectively. The organizing committee expects that in the months of December-January, the number of foreign visitors will increase, especially those from Japan, Korea, and European countries.

The total number of foreign visitors till the end of the fair is estimated at 200,000.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 7 December 2006

[toptuan]

Just completed the 27-hour return bus trip from Khon Kaen area, after spending a full day here, and IMO it was worth every bath and kilometer expended. Here in the latter half of December, the show is still going strong.

I'm not a floral hobbiest or buff, as I mainly went to spend the day with good friends who were going to the show. However, I was impressed with the good organization, cleanliness, and overall beauty of the exhibition site. I was also intrigued by the many international gardens which gave one a good taste of each country represented. It was kind of like a mini world's fair.

I would go again, if given the chance.

Edited December 19, 2006 by toptuan

[Jai Dee]

Visitors of Royal Flora Ratchaphruek to exceed 2 million within this week

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 has welcomed over 1.9 million tourists since its opening. The figure is expected to exceed two million within this week.

The public-relations chief of this exposition, Mr. Preecha Sananwattananond, indicated that the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 has opened for 50 days, and 1,947,859 people have visited the event. Most of them are Thai tourists from other regions of the country. Mr. Preecha said more tourists from different provinces are expected to visit the exposition during the New Year’s holidays. Foreign tourists and business operators are also coming to this event to seek export opportunities.

Some of the many highlights include the Royal Pavilion, the International Garden, the Orchid Pavilion, and the Tropical Garden.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

Performance held at Ratchapreuk Expo to celebrate 80th birthday anniversary of HM the King

A performance organized by the people in Chonburi (ชลบุรี) will be held at Royal Flora Ratchapreuk 2006.

Mr. Kriengsak Yuangsawad (เกรียงศักดิ์ ยวงสวัสดิ์), the director of the performance, revealed that the purpose of this performance is to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 60th anniversary on his accession to the throne and His coming 80th birthday anniversary.

80 strudents from 3 provicial schools, including Sriracha School, Suankularb Wittayalai School, and Burapha University will perform at Royal Flora Ratchapreuk 2006 in Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) Province.

The organizer said that the performance will be considered the highest honour in their life time achievement as His Majesty the King is the most revered monarch in the country. Mr Kriengsak said that the performance will feature cultural shows to tourists.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

Police doing their best to impress tourists at Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

The Chiang Mai Police Station announces that there have been no violent cases at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo 2006 so far, and the officials are doing their best to make a good impression on growing numbers of visitors and tourists.

The Traffic and Transportation Security Center and the Chiang Mai Police Station disclosed that only minor cases such as larceny, smuggling of migrants, lost and found, and road accidents. He said most of the cases have been resolved, and police officers together with are ensuring safety for the lives and properties of tourists.

As for the case where a group of teenagers are wearing improper attires in the event, certain people may perceive that it might not be appropriate. However, police officers have asked the teenagers to cooperate with the authority, and they have agreed to comply.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

2 millionth visitor of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek to win many prizes

The working group of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 will present awards to the two millionth visitor of this exposition, and the lucky winner is expected to arrive at around 9 AM today.

Three witnesses for this event will include the representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the working group of the exposition, and the media. The 2 millionth visitor will win a free suite of Sofitel Riverside Hotel in Chiang Mai for two nights, a giant souvenir mascot, a 5,000-baht voucher from Black Canyon restaurant, a 3,000-baht voucher from TOSIT restaurant, and a free transport service in the exposition.

The queue in front of the entrance of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 is jam-packed since morning.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

Suzuki Sadatoshi, 57, (L) a Japanese tourist, receives prizes from Royal Flora Expo organisers as he becomes the two millionth tourist to the expo on Friday.

The prizes included free two-night suite at Sofitel Hotel Riverside, Chiang Mai, dining gift voucher worth Bt5,000.

Source: The Nation - 22 December 2006