Royal Flora Ratchaphruek
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The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek is a flower festival scheduled for November 1, 2006, to January 31, 2007, in the Thai city of Chiang Mai. It is one of the grand celebrations being hosted by the Royal Thai Government in honor of King Bhumibol, the world’s longest reigning monarch.
The Ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula L.) or Golden Shower Tree is the national flower of Thailand. It is also named "Khun" or "Chaiyaphruek". The reason that the Ratchaphruek is used to symbolize the nation lies in color: its yellow blossoms match the yellow of Buddhism; furthermore, the Thai people regard yellow as the color of the King as well. Moreover, all golden shower trees bloom at the same time; this unity in flowering is felt to reflect the unity and identity of Thais.
The event is located in 80 hectares of land at the Royal Agricultural Research Center in Mae Hia sub-district, Muang district, Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. The 92 days of the expo feature 30 international gardens reflecting nations such as Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Netherlands, South Africa, and Canada; more than 2.5 million trees of 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers are presented to the world in this exhibition. The AIPH, the Association of International Horticultural Producers, has given this expo A1 status, its highest level; such an exhibition occurs only once a year throughout the world. In addition, a host country can only hold one such exhibition once a decade.
The festival includes many highlights to attract tourists:
Gardens for the king There are two features in this zone: one is International gardens, which are presented by 30 participating nations and cover 21,000 square meters; the other is Corporate gardens, which cover 27,475 square meters, and are presented by both Thai state enterprises, and domestic and international major corporations.
Hor kham Royal Pavillion This building features Lanna architecture, the architectural style of northern Thailand; inside, visitors will see pictures of King Bhumibol's works and his dedication.
Thai Tropical Garden The enormous 100,000-square-meter garden showcases the diversity of tropical horticulture: fruit varieties, plants, flowers, herbs, and rare plants.
Expo Plaza This is the focus of the exposition's fun-filled activities, amenities, and services. Visitors can purchase products from the Royal Projects and authentic local products from Chiangmai such as handicrafts, paper umbrellas, and souvenirs.
Cultural shows A total of 45 cultural shows from various regions of Thailand will be performed here, including traditional music and dance. In addition, cultural performances from other nations will be presented in this place.
The Thai government expects an average of 20,000 visitors per day, with over 100,000 visitors on a crowded day, and 2 million visitors in total to attend the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006. Organizers hope thereby to promote tourism and develop Thai horticultural industries.
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