Int'l Horticultural Expo 2011 opens in Thailand

CHIANG MAI, December 14 (TNA) - Thousands of international tourists gathered at the Royal Ratchapruek Park in Thailand's northern resort Chiang Mai Province Wednesday, when the International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora Ratchbaphruek 2011 informally kicked off, to appreciate the beauty of blooming and colourful flowers displayed. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa, who is also Tourism and Sports Minister, opened the international floral expo and hoisted the symbolic flags of the Association International Des Producteurs De L’ Horticulture and the Ratchapruek, as well as those of countries which have sent flowers to display at the three-month fair. Chumpol said that Thailand is proud and honoured in, again, hosting the International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora Ratchbaphruek, from December 14, 2011-March 14, 2012, and thanks every country and organisation participating in the yearly expo. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is scheduled to preside over a ceremony to officially open the International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora Ratchbaphruek 2011 on January 16. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be among distinguished figures attending the inauguration of the three-month-long international floral expo. (TNA)