If it's the shopping you like most about traveling abroad, then you've arrived in Chiangmai at the right time! You'll find tons of regional goods from Thailand, Laos, Burma and China at Quadrangle Expo 2002, which is being held from September 28 to October 6, 2002 at the 700 Anniversary Sport Complex.

The event is organized by Chambers of Commerce in 10 provinces of northern Thailand along with several regional retail businesses. It began with Chiangmai Chamber of Commerce president Khun Rachan Veeraphan's vision to bring together small, midsize and large businesses of the Greater Mekong Subregion. The initial step was the creation of the Joint Economic Quadrangle Project, which was set up in 2001. A representative from each of the four countries takes a turn chairing the project each year. This year, the project was chaired by Burma.

This year's Quadrangle Expo is aimed at building Chiangmai as the commercial hub of the Mekong Region. Folks from all over northern Thailand are expected to flock to the exhibition site for the latest and greatest coming out of their favorite retailers. Here is just a taste of what you can expect to find at the event.

The Saha Pathanapibul Group, the largest producer of consumer goods in Thailand, will offer their products in over 4,000 sq. meters of floorspace. The public can buy everything from detergents, instant noodles, shampoos, toothpaste, baby care products, personal care, and food products such as cookies, chewing gum and dish washing liquids.

Nearby, a motor show displaying 10 leading brands of automobiles. Also the Chiangmai agent of Toyota, Niyom Panich, is planning to inaugurate the 2003 Toyota models. For those who can't afford a brand new car, the nearby Carryboy exhibition and an adjoining area will offer the latest in car accessories such as stereos for you to update your car interior.

Stadium 8 at the 700 Anniversary Sport Complex will be devoted to the Chinese delegation of businesses. So far, about 70 booths have been booked by businesses from southern Chinese cities, namely Kunming and Schezuan. Another section of 300 air-conditioned booths will house Thai made goods of all kinds, as well as products from Laos and Burma.

Charoen Pokhapand (CP) will set up a refrigerated exhibition hall similar to that shown at the CMU Agriculture Fair, where CP experts are expected to bring livestock such as ostriches. And a pond near the exhibition hall will serve as a place to learn the latest tips on how to raise fish.

Housewives groups and families producing products under the One Tambon, One Product project will be there, along with other beneficiaries of Thailand's Royal Project. A definite highlight of the expo will be the 1,500 sq meter Chinese Ceramics Hall displaying large and unique vases of outstanding artistic merit. The famous northern ceramics of Lampang will also be at the expo. And be sure to look for the exhibition hall with beautiful furniture for the home and office.

Members of the Restaurant Association of Chiangmai will set up booths featuring popular dishes from their restaurants. With 3,000 chairs available, there will be a seat for everyone. Nearby will be food stalls of typical food from China, Burma and Laos. For those who just can't get enough "gaeng hang lay", and "naam ngiew", a Lanna style "gaad mua" serving local food will be on hand. If that isn't enough food, the main walking street through the expo grounds is where to find western fast foods such as pizzas, beers, ice creams and hamburgers.

And of course, a selection of delicious produce will be laid out in 400 sq. meters of space. The entire family can look forward to the fresh fruit of Thailand. The stalls will be available to farmers throughout the country to bring fruit to sell.

For entertainment, Grammy is organizing a concert featuring many popular entertainers for an expected crowd of about 10,000 people. On hand to open the event will be Somsak Thepsuthin, minister of the Prime Minister's office responsible for tourism. Channel 11 will be broadcasting the opening live on national TV.

It may be wise to arrive via tuk-tuk or songtheaw, or another form of transportation that doesn't involve parking. The parking at the sport complex can accommodate 1,500 cars, and there will be more available in the 'winter fair' area. If you drive and park, shuttle busses will be on hand to transport from the parking lot to the expo site. Each person will get a map identifying the exhibition sites when entering the expo.