Korat residents threaten mass protest over plan to move Expo 2029 to Pak Chong

Residents of Korat, eight northern districts of Nakhon Ratchasima, are vehemently opposing the proposed relocation of Expo 2029 from Khong district to Pak Chong. Local leaders assert that the government is depriving the community of a valuable development opportunity. They have pledged to mobilize support from all 20 provinces in the Northeast if the Cabinet endorses the relocation.

Arun Akkarapreedi, a protest leader, contends that the Khong site is not economically viable and questions why it is deemed unworthy for economic purposes. He argues that the expo is an unprecedented chance to enhance the quality of life for roughly 380,000 local residents and numerous others in the surrounding regions. Arun highlights that the eight districts have been deprived of a significant development project for nearly a century, and the expo offers an invaluable chance for improvement.

He accuses the government of favoring "outside investors" and exploiting reserved forest land while local communities lag behind in development. Arun contends that when assessing development, the happiness and prosperity of hundreds of thousands of people should be prioritized over financial gain. Khamphan Boonyuen, another protest leader, expresses that residents would vehemently reject the move to Pak Chong.

He states that people have invested substantial time and resources in preparing homestays, restaurants, and other businesses to cater to visitors. With the proposed relocation potentially facing approval from the Cabinet, Khamphan and his fellow protesters plan to hold a symbolic protest on Tuesday and are prepared to rally participants from all 20 northeastern provinces to oppose the decision.