CHIANG RAI – Mr. Prasert Jitpleecheep, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai Province, has confirmed a strong push toward economic recovery after the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi in 2024.
As part of that effort, officials will host the CHIANG RAI RESILIENCE EXPO 2026: Trade Moves, Economy Drives from March 28 to April 1, 2026, at the Yuwawan Training Ground in Mae Sai District. The five-day event is set to create new chances for local businesses and help bring spending back to the northern border area.
The announcement was made at a press conference at Central Chiang Rai. At the event, leaders from government offices, private companies, and provincial business groups stood together in a clear show of support.
Their goal is simple: to help revive the local economy and give small business owners the support they need after major flood losses.
Deputy Governor Outlines New Direction Under the 3R Plan
Mr. Prasert Jitpleecheep, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai Province, spoke to the media and described the expo as an important next step. He said the province is now moving beyond short-term assistance and focusing on new economic opportunities.
“After Typhoon Yagi struck in 2024, we focused on helping families and repairing the damage,” he said. “Now it’s time to create new paths forward. We are using the 3R concept, Rebuild, Reconnect, and Reinforce, to support steady growth over the long term.”
The 3R plan guides the province’s recovery work:
- Rebuild: Restore roads, facilities, and businesses damaged by the floods.
- Reconnect: Help local producers reach fresh markets and new buyers.
- Reinforce: Improve the skills and strength of small business owners for the future.
Because of this clear direction, many families still recovering from the 2024 disaster now have renewed hope. The flooding damaged crops, homes, and many small businesses across the province.
Commerce Office Expands the Expo into a Full Economic Event
The Chiang Rai Provincial Commerce Office said the expo will be much more than a standard trade fair. This time, it will serve as a broad economic platform built to support trade, business growth, and local spending.
The main venue will include a large air-conditioned dome, so visitors can shop and hold meetings comfortably throughout the day. More than 200 exhibitors are expected to join, turning Mae Sai into a lively center for business activity.
Visitors will find a wide mix of products at the event. These include processed farm goods, local specialties, and other high-quality items from Chiang Rai and nearby areas.
Organizers will also highlight GI (Geographical Indication) products that reflect the province’s local identity. At the same time, BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) goods will feature strongly, showing how local businesses are adopting sustainable practices. Well-known local brands will also have space to present their newest products.
What Visitors and Buyers Will Find at the Expo
To show the size and variety of the event, here are some of the main highlights:
- More than 200 exhibitors from Chiang Rai and nearby provinces
- A large air-conditioned exhibition dome for a more comfortable visit
- Products such as processed fruit, herbs, coffee, tea, and ready-to-eat food
- GI-certified goods, including Chiang Rai rice, herbs, and handicrafts with protected origin status
- BCG products focused on bio-based materials, recycling, and cleaner energy use
- Special zones for local fashion, wellness products, and eco-friendly souvenirs
- Live demonstrations and workshops on sustainable production methods
Because of these features, the expo will offer more than shopping. It will also help generate real economic activity across the border district.
Business Matching Program Set to Bring in Buyers and Investors
One of the biggest draws at the CHIANG RAI RESILIENCE EXPO 2026 will be its business matching sessions. Organizers will run these meetings both at the venue and online through a dedicated platform. This setup gives local producers more ways to meet buyers from Thailand and abroad, even if travel is difficult.
Hundreds of investors and major buyers are expected to take part. The goal is direct and practical: to turn conversations into purchase orders and lasting business deals. By bringing buyers to Mae Sai, the expo should also increase spending in local shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Mae Sai is a fitting location for this event. The district sits along the Thailand-Myanmar border and has long served as a key trade gateway. In 2024, the floods disrupted this important route. Now, the expo will help restore trade links and support business activity in the area.
Public and Private Sectors Join Forces
Strong cooperation across many sectors is helping drive the event forward. Government agencies are assisting with permits, safety, and promotion. Meanwhile, private companies are supporting booth construction and sponsorship efforts.
Business groups, including chambers of commerce and entrepreneur associations, are also helping recruit exhibitors and connect with possible buyers.
This kind of teamwork shows how seriously Chiang Rai is treating its recovery. Local leaders understand that a healthy grassroots economy gives communities more strength when hard times come.
Small business owners have already shown strong interest in the expo. Many of them lost products, equipment, or income during the floods. For them, this event offers a fresh chance to restart, rebuild, and grow. With exhibition space, buyer meetings, and public foot traffic in one place, the expo is expected to open the door to thousands of business opportunities.
Lasting Gains for Chiang Rai’s Economy
Organizers hope the benefits will continue long after the five-day event ends. They want Chiang Rai to stand out as a province ready for investment and future growth. By promoting GI and BCG products, the province can draw buyers who care about quality, local identity, and sustainable production.
Tourism should also get a lift. Visitors who come for the expo can spend time in Mae Sai’s markets, temples, and nearby attractions. As a result, hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and local shops may all see stronger sales after a long slowdown.
Provincial leaders say this expo is only the start of a broader recovery effort. The 3R plan will continue after April 2026 through follow-up programs, training sessions, and smaller trade events held throughout the year.
Why the Expo Matters Right Now
The timing works well for Chiang Rai. Thailand’s economy is growing, and border provinces need strong support to keep up. At the same time, the 2024 floods showed that communities must prepare for future shocks as they rebuild.
By hosting the CHIANG RAI RESILIENCE EXPO 2026, Chiang Rai is sending a clear message. The province is ready to welcome business again, support local growth, and turn a hard period into a new opportunity. Residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors are all invited to take part in this important moment for the province.
The expo opens on March 28, 2026. Buyers looking for suppliers, business owners seeking new partners, and residents who want to support their community will all find something of value at the Yuwawan Training Ground in Mae Sai.
Chiang Rai has been through a difficult stretch, yet its determination remains strong. This expo shows the province is not only recovering, but it’s also building a stronger future.
