Exhaustion, flu blamed after minister collapses in Udon Thani
Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit was rushed to a hospital in the northeastern province of Udon Thani last night for emergency treatment after passing out while inspecting preparations for the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo.
Upon arrival at Bangkok Hospital Udon, Suriya was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit, where doctors administered CPR until he regained consciousness.
His condition was reported to be stable, but he remained under close observation until being discharged from hospital this morning.
Suriya’s secretary, Sorawut Nuangchamnong, told the media today that the minister had been working hard over the past two months and had barely rested. He added that Suriya contracted influenza while visiting Chanthaburi province last week.
After being discharged from hospital, Suriya attended an ordination ceremony at a temple for Rachen Silparaya, director-general of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, before proceeding to inspect an irrigation project in Sam Phrao sub-district and receive a briefing on problems faced by local villagers.
He is scheduled to visit the site of the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Kut Sa sub-district this afternoon.
The expo will be held under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living”, highlighting the relationship between ecosystems and communities.
The venue spans nearly 165 hectares of Nong Daeŋ wetland, with a layout integrating natural landscapes, cultural elements and innovation.
The expo will run from November 1 this year to March 14, 2027.