Bangkok--Aug 17--JWT Public Relations
Thailand Hosts International Horticulture Exposition in Celebrating H.M. the King’s Diamond Jubilee (60th Year) on the Throne and His 80th Birthday
In 2006, King Bhumibol of Thailand will become the world’s Longest-Reigning Monarch when he and all Thais will celebrate His Diamond Jubilee. Furthermore, in 2007 the entire Thai nation will join in celebrating the Thai King’s 80th Birthday. To make these two historic events, the Thai government will hold the international Horticulture Exposition for H.M. The King, or the ‘Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006’ in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province from 1 November 2006 until 31 January 2007.
‘Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006’ is endorsed and supported by the International Association of Horticulture Producers, or L’Association Internationale des Producteurs de L’Horticulture (AIPH)*, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, Thailand’s first international horticulture show has captured international interest and attention.
‘Ratchaphruek’ means Royal plant in the Thai language. This tree, Cassia fistula Linn with the English common name ‘Golden Showers’, blooms around March — April when entire tree is covered with hanging clusters of beautiful golden yellow sprays. Thai people consider this tree auspicious, and its yellow flower is symbolic of Buddhism, similar to the yellow robes of the monks, and also symbolic of the King who has born on Monday, which in Thailand is symbolized by color yellow.
‘To Express the Love for Humanity’ has been considered as the central theme for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 or the International Horticulture Expo, created to reflect man’s enduring relationship with nature and its abundant riches, the theme is meant to reflect the many ways in which humankind is cared for by nature in the same unselfish manner H.M. the King cares for His people. In particular, the theme is meant to reflect the multitude of ways in which trees provide or ‘express their love’ for humanity. From seeds, leaves, young shoots, flowers and fruits through the riches they provide when fully grown, trees have enjoyed eternal ties with humanity and provide the four necessities of life, food, shelter, clothing and medicine. These riches and benefits can be interpreted as their love for humanity, and in return, they require love and protection so that they can grow and live full and productive lives. While there is a need to use the abundant riches provided by trees, there is also a need to protect and to allow them to flourish.
With these enduring expressions of love in mind, the Expo’s central theme is to highlight the love of H.M. the King for the Thai people; the love of trees for humanity; the fertility of Thailand and finally, the Thai way of life inter-dependent with nature.
‘Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006’ conceived by the government will be the World’s largest tropical horticultural exposition and is in harmony with the King’s teaching for the Thai people to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and to live in a simple and self-sufficient manner.
‘Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006’ features the exposition of grand celebrations, which consists of 3 main functions; Gardens for the King, the highlight outdoor landscape exhibition area which comprised of International Gardens, located for exhibitions of national blossoms, blooms and horticulture as well as the cultural arts and architecture from countries around the world. And Corporate Gardens, surrounded by state enterprises and domestic & major international corporations that visually illustrate a rang of concepts, theories and ‘best practices’ behind Royal Projects initiated by His Majesty the King and which reflect His Majesty’s tremendous insight and ingenuity.
The second functional area is Royal Tropical Garden, Encompassing an area of over a hundred thousands square meters created by leading Thai landscape designers and architects. The ‘Royal Tropical Garden’ is a colossal classroom that showcases the vast diversity in the way of life of tropical lands. This state-of-the-art exhibit will highlight Thailand’s phenomenally rich variety of plants and flowers. The garden is designed to be the largest and most comprehensive collection of tropical horticulture species ever assembled, the show will feature fruits, flowers, orchids, herbs and greenery. And Royal Plaza is represented for the third part in the exposition, situated at the center point for Expo activities, amenities and services, the Royal Plaza is home to an indoor exhibition hall that will feature a series of specialized exhibitions and competitions which consists of two area; The Royal Pavilion, given the fact that His Majesty the King lies in the heart of Thai people, at the heart of the exposition site lies the picturesque Royal Pavilion bordered by the Ratchaphruek trees, looking out into the entire show over the Royal Path which forms a landmark of the exposition, and facing the revered Pra Thad Doi Kham temple. And Grand Amphitheater, located in the midst of this sea of colors will act as a vocal point for lectures, performances and briefings. Nestled alongside will be an enclosed and open-air marketplace for plants and flowers, souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.
As part of the exposition, visitors are encouraged to experience the spellbinding natural and cultural splendor that represents the finest of ‘Greater Lanna’, that was once part of the ancient northern Thai kingdom of ‘Lanna—Land of a Million Fields’ which can be found in Chiang Mai district and further beyond in the Greater Lanna provinces. All offer a diverse choice of tourist attractions, particularly the many breathtaking horticultural and botanical gardens and parks that include Doi Tung-home to the Mae Fah Luang Garden, Mae Hah Luang Art and Cultural Park in Chiang Rai province and the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens in Mae Sa.
Foreign and local exhibitors are invited to express their admiration for the King and to honor His Majesty’s Royal Activities through a demonstration of horticultural excellence, literature, national traditions and cultural performances. Gardens for the King will not only nourish the visitors’ eyes with cultural and horticultural beauty but will also enrich their minds with exotic cultures and knowledge of Royal Agricultural Projects.
‘Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006’ Sets in 80-hectares wide of pristine landscape to present to the world the marvels of plants and breeds of over 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers, 2,500,000 plants in total at the Royal Agriculture Research Center in Chiang Mai, the site will incorporate a rich variety of Expo zones.
These spectacular exhibitions and gardens and flowers throughout the 92 days, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 will feature a grand variety of special exhibits, competitions, performances as well as excellent shopping and dinning experiences. In addition, several sections have been allotted for a variety of fun-filled activities that will be both informative and entertaining including art and cultural performances by local and international artists. An average of 20,000 visitors per day, with over 100,000 visitors on a crowded day, and 2 million visitors in total are expected to attend Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, the amazing grand celebration for H.M. THE KING.
Remark:
Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 hosted by
Royal Thai Government
Organizing Agency
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Department of Agriculture
Horticultural Science Society of Thailand
Supported by
International Society for Horticultural Science
World Flower Council
* AIPH - The Association of International Horticultural Producers
AIPH represent horticultural producer organizations around the world. Established in Switzerland in 1984, AIPH encourages the international marketing of flowers, plants and landscaping services. Free trade in ornamental plant products remains one of the organizations main goals through the continual exchange of knowledge and experience during an annual Congress and various theme sessions.
For more information, please contact
JWT Public Relations
Sarinya Sanmeema Tel. 0-2204-2018 or 0-1845-1498
Rossawun Doungsoitong Tel. 0-2204-8224 or 0-9665-6819
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