Chiang Mai, Thailand — Daniel Ost, a world-renowned florist will create a masterpiece in "Belgium Garden" which Belgium Government is building in Thailand's "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, scheduled for November 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007 in Chiang Mai, northern province of Thailand. The shape and form of the garden will reflect relationship of Belgium and Thailand and arouse imagination of visitors.

On the occasions that Thailand celebrates the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's accession to the Throne and will celebrate His Majesty's 80th birthday by organizing "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," the first world-class horticultural exposition in Southeast Asia, Belgium Government is joining in the celebration by building "Belgium Garden" on a space of 659 square meters.

The participation is derived from the good diplomatic relations between Belgium and Thailand, which started in 1883. A highlight of Belgium Garden is a cone-shape, five-meter-tall, and 10-meter-long structure which will arouse the imagination of its visitors. The entire structure will be adorned with Belgian flowers in the colors of red, orange, and yellow; the colors of Belgian flag. The outer part of the structure will be decorated with Thai plants. This mixing of plants and flowers from the two countries symbolizes the enduring relationship.

A pool of water will surround the structure. This body of water signifies the immaculate relationship between the two countries.

The ground of Belgium Garden will be built in a tidal pattern illustrating the traces of tidal waves left on the beach when the water level declines.

The garden will also be decorated with high-tech artificial grass. This kind of grass was used in the world-class soccer field in Barcelona, Spain, and will be used in the Belgium Garden for the first time in Asia.

Flowers decorated in the garden will be imported from Belgium and maintained in special mosses which can hold water 20 times more than normal mosses. This kind of moss grows in a small mountain in Belgium and is a conserved plant of the country. Usually it is prohibited to export this kind of moss out of Belgium except only for important events.

In July, 2006, Daniel Ost visited the expo site in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to inspect the site and to discuss with contractors for the Belgium Garden construction.

Visitors of the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006" can visit the Belgium Garden and the world famous florist's work of art in the "International Outdoor Garden" zone during November 1, 2006 – January 31, 2007, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Thai government expects over two million visitors from all over the world to join in the official celebration at the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King. For more information, visit www.royalfloraexpo.com, tel. +66 2686 7272, fax: +66 2636 7266, or e-mail: info@royalfloraexpo.com.

For more information:

Mr. Ekachon Worapatrahirunyamas
Project Management Office
For Event Operations, Activities, and Communications

Tel. +66 2686 7304
Mobile: +66 1837 6442
Fax: +66 2659 5920
E-mail: ekachon@royalfloraexpo.com

"Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006"

The "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, is an official celebration of the Thai government to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's 60th anniversary of His accession to the Throne and of His 80th birthday.

Organized on 80 hectares, in Chiang Mai, a northern province of Thailand, during November 1, 2006 – January 31, 2007, the event is recognized as an "A1 international horticultural exhibition" by the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) and the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

32 country governments from five continents have confirmed to pay homage to His Majesty the King by building "International Gardens" with their unique arts of garden designs complete with imported plants and flowers and architecture.

53 provinces from across Thailand have confirmed to bring 221 rare plant species and 93 cultural dances, music, and other performances to the expo.

Additionally, 22 domestic governmental organizations, state enterprises, and private conglomerates are building gardens in honor of His Majesty the King. The concept of each garden is based on an agricultural theory and/or a theory of self-sufficiency economy of His Majesty the King's. These gardens are in a zone called "Corporate Gardens."

Other highlights of the expo include the biggest variety of orchids in "Orchids Pavilion," tropical fruit trees in "Fruit Pavilion," local wisdoms on usage of herbs and spa in "Herbs Pavilion."

2.5 million trees of 2,200 species will be featured in the expo. Cultural performances from 12 countries will also be on stage.

During the past 60 years, His Majesty the King, who in May 2006 was presented with the United Nations Development Program's First Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and in June 2006 was presented with the title the "Father of Thai Innovation" by the Thai Ministry of Science and Technology, has created thousands of agricultural theories which have led to thousands more of royal projects. These projects have helped improve water management and restoration, reforestation, soil restoration, and quality of living of His people. And these royal projects and theories will be displayed in an exhibition called "An Agricultural King-The Brilliance that Benefits the Thai People." This exhibition will be organized throughout the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006" in a special architecture called "Royal Pavilion." The "Royal Pavilion" is a two-storey building designed with Lanna architecture. Besides the exhibition, the interior of the Royal Pavilion will be decorated with murals depicting His Majesty's works and activities.

An exhibition of His Majesty the King's biography, works, and activities will also be organized. The story of the exhibition will start from the first day of His Majesty's accession to the Throne and His first words to the people, to His childhood, to the time when His Majesty met Her Majesty the Queen. His interests and talents as well as His works and activities will also be featured in the exhibition.

Apart from being an official celebration of His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary of His accession to the Throne, the "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006" will also be celebrating His 80th birthday in 2007.

The Thai government expects over two million visitors from all over the world. "Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006," International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, will run from November 1, 2006, to January 31, 2007. More information about the exposition, please visit www.royalfloraexpo.com, call tel. +66 2686 7272, fax: +66 2636 7266, or e-mail: info@royalfloraexpo.com.