THAILAND - The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is to launch a 50m baht (US$1.62m) campaign next month aimed at educating the local population about the benefits of hosting the World Expo 2020. The campaign is to be titled ‘Creative MICE’
However, the political backdrop remains tense, as Thai security forces are put on high alert on the eve of a potentially politically explosive weekend, as the opposition Red Shirt movement prepares to mark the 19 September anniversary of the 2006 coup that removed Thaksin Shinawatra from power.
A state of emergency remains in the capital and Prime Minister Abhisi Vejjajiva admits: “There are people who do not want to see reconciliation in the country”.
The TCEB says it will press on with a feasibility study of three potential locations for the World Expo: Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya provinces.
“Thai’s need to be educated about the World Expo and understand how the country could benefit from organising this important event,” said TCEB President Akapol Sorasuchart.
Of the three potential locations, Chiang Mai still has problems with transportation and low capacity at Chiang Mai Airport, although it is located near southern China and its 300m population.
Chon Buri's advantages include logistics and transportation, with a deep-sea port and U-Tapao airport. It is unlikely to be able to live up to high environmental-friendly standards, however.
Ayutthaya benefits from transport and accommodation in Bangkok but has many flood-prone areas, which may involve costly irrigation.
Mr Akapol estimates organising the Expo would cost 20 billion baht (US$650m), while generating eight times that amount in revenue and leading to major benefits for a range of industries, including tourism.
A feasibility study will be presented to the government next February, with any final bid due by June, said Mr Akapol, who admitted “political problems could pop up again, but we think this project should move forward for the sake of the country, not for any politician”.
Mr Akopol tells CMW: “MICE is now considered as a key industry for making the provinces profits. Despite recent setbacks, Thailand’s underlying values still shine through. The MICE industry has become an increasingly influential contributor of foreign income to the country, with revenues from MICE activities representing 13 per cent of the country’s total income from travel. Despite the turbulent circumstances, the number of MICE visitors to Thailand this year are expected to remain stable.”
