CNLA Trade Mission Strengthens Horticulture Ties with Thailand

_{By Rebecca Doutre}

The growers’ tour, coordinated and hosted by the Botanical Association of Siam (BAS), included visits to Air Orchids, a major orchid and ornamental producer, and a wholesale and retail plant market that brings dozens of regional growers together in one location. A tour of the Ancient City, home to the BAS headquarters, was a highlight. The site features Thai plant collections, landscape displays, a lotus exhibition, and a floating market.

The delegation also visited Suan Luang Rama IX, a botanical garden with a plant competition and a large ornamental plant market showcasing many rare and unique varieties.

A presentation and landscape tour hosted by landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom highlighted the award-winning Centenary Park. This modern, climate-resilient public park is designed to manage Bangkok’s urban flooding through cascading ponds, sloped walkways, constructed wetlands, and underground water retention systems. A second project, the Chao Phraya Skypark, was visited in the evening. Built on an abandoned rail structure, the Skypark provides panoramic 360-degree views of the river and city skyline.

Other Bangkok green spaces visited included Lumphini Park, the city’s first major public park established in the 1920s, and Benjakitti Park, noted for its extensive urban forest and 180-acre engineered wetland built on the former tobacco authority lands. Its elevated skywalk, suspended through the tree canopy, offers a unique way to experience the restored ecosystem.

CNLA also organized a conference to connect with Thai counterparts and discuss trade opportunities. Presentations were delivered by Senior Trade Minister Frank Le, Mr. Yanyong Phanphruek of the Horticulture Research Institute, and a panel of growers including BAS President Dr. Soontorn Pipitsangchan. Discussions focused on Thailand’s horticulture market, import and export considerations, and current challenges. With Canada and Thailand entering free-trade negotiations, and agriculture forming a large share of Thailand’s economy, new opportunities may emerge for Canadian horticulture businesses. Agri-tech innovation is a particular area of demand. All plant imports into Canada require valid phytosanitary certificates issued by the exporting National Plant Protection Organization or the CFIA.

When doing business in Thailand, hierarchy, respect, and appearance matter. Personal relationships play a significant role in deal-making, and much business is conducted outside of formal meetings. CNLA members are advised to work with a local agent, retain legal support, and connect with the Trade Commissioner Service.

CNLA extends its thanks to the members and staff of the BAS, Kotchakorn Voraakhom, all conference speakers, and the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) for their support in coordinating this successful trade mission. For more information on Thailand’s floriculture sector, see the country profile developed by AIPH and CNLA with funding from the Government of Canada through the AgriMarketing Program.

For more information, contact the CNLA office.

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