ASIA - Exhibitions across Thailand are being postponed en masse following severe flooding across the country and fears of further disaster in Bangkok.
Widespread flooding across Thailand is being described as the worst to hit the country in decades. According to media reports, rising water continues to affect 26 provinces across Thailand and has engulfed more than two-thirds of the country since the first Monsoon rains begun in July.
Although Bangkok’s city centre had not been affected as at 27 October, provinces around the city are on imminent evacuation alert and there are fears floods could hit the capital this weekend.
As a result, several shows scheduled at the Impact Exhibition Centre in Bangkok have been postponed including the BOI Fair, which will now move to 5 to 20 January 2012. The exhibition is organised by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and is designed to give government and private sector stakeholders an opportunity to demonstrate Thai industry to external investors and businessmen by showcasing innovation.
BOI and Impact are now working with volunteers to strengthen flood barriers in the surrounding area in a bid to protect the pavilion, which is now 60-70 per cent complete.
Reed Exhibitions has also postponed its in-cosmetics Asia event in light of the flooding fears. The exhibition was due to be held in November at BITEC in Bangkok but will now take place at the venue from 14 to 16 December.
“Due to the current crisis in Thailand, we had no option but to postpone in-cosmetics Asia because, as organisers, we were unable to guarantee the delivery of a quality exhibition,” event director Sarah Gibson said in a statement. “Having reached the decision to move the dates, we are now working closely with our exhibitors and visitors to deliver a successful event in December 2011. We are also very keen to keep the show in Thailand and help support the local economy.
“Our thoughts at this time are with the families of those living in regions affected by the crisis.”
The Thailand Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo, which was due to run at BITEC from 27 to 30 October, has been rescheduled to 24 to 27 November along with the co-located Thailand Retail Food and Hospitality Services exhibition. Organiser Kavin Intertrade Co. said current warnings of possible flooding in Bangkok triggered the decision.
Similarly, the Thailand Health and Beauty Show at BITEC has rescheduled from 30 October to 3 November to January 2012. The exhibition is organised by the Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Royal Thai Government.
However Reed Tradex’s World Didac Asia event opened as planned on 26 October at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok and will run until 28 October. In contrast an event to mark the 84th anniversary of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which was due to run from 8 to 13 November, has been postponed.
Several other exhibitions scheduled at the QSNCC in late November are also expected to continue as planned.
According to various media reports, flooding has spread into districts around Bangkok, particularly east and west of the city. In Don Muang, 90 per cent of the district is under deep water. A further 13 districts near the Chao Phraya River are on imminent evacuation alert.
In Bangkok, some public transportation is still running and all airports except for Don Muang are operating as usual. The Thailand Government has declared 27 October to 31 October as a public holiday for Bangkok and affected provinces in order to deal with the ecological crisis.
BITEC is investing THB 750m (US$24.8m) intro its facilities to attract more international business.
Caption: Flooding on Khao San Road in Bangkok, taken by Bcow.
Have you heard of any other exhibitions or venues being affected by the flooding? Email us: exhibitionworld@mashmedia.net
