Thailand has declared its readiness and commitment to host Specialised Expo 2028 in Phuket, stating that this will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia which will benefit the entire region.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Sarun Charoensuwan, announced that Thailand’s bid to host the international event in Phuket is on the national agenda, adding that the government sector, private sector and local communities have shown their commitment and support and are fully capable of hosting the world expo.

He also stated that Southeast Asia has never been chosen to host the expo. Therefore, if Thailand is given the opportunity, it will demonstrate Southeast Asia’s readiness to host more expos in the near future.

A Specialised Expo 2028 in Phuket will be held under the theme of “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”, which Sarun said is in line with Thailand’s BCG economy model, which promotes sustainable growth.

-More than ready-

President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, revealed that Specialised Expo 2028 will provide a platform on which participating countries can present their innovative solutions for sustainable future living.

He also believes that the hosting of the event in Phuket will help boost the economy, both for Phuket and Thailand as a whole. It is expected to attract 4.9 million visitors to the country, generate 49 billion baht in revenue and create 113,000 jobs.

Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, also reaffirmed the province’s readiness and ability to host the expo, while announcing its development strategy to become a “hub” in a number of areas, such as a medical hub, a city of gastronomy, an international education hub, a marina hub, a MICE city, a smart city, sports tourism and tuna industry hubs for ASEAN.

Advisory Chairman of the Phuket Tourist Association, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, also believes that hosting the event in Phuket will help improve the local economy, adding that this will benefit all sectors. He also said that Phuket has invested in developing its infrastructure to increase capacity towelcome more visitors.

-Flow of Nature-

Meanwhile, Dr. Peeradon Kaewlai, Architect, Advisor to Expo 2028 Phuket, revealed its event site design. He explained its concept, which is called “Flow of Nature”, emphasising the use of green technology to minimise the negative impacts on the natural environment. He also explained that the expo site will be adapted into a medical and wellness centre, which is already part of the government’s plan, even if Phuket is not chosen as the host destination.

Previously, Thailand bid to host Specialised Expo 2020, whenit proposed Ayutthaya as the host destination. Thailand’s bid was, however, disqualified by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), due to concerns that the bid did not have enough government support.

The four other cities bidding to organise Specialised Expo 2027/28 are San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina), Malaga (Spain), Belgrade (Serbia) and Minnesota (United States).

The host destination for Specialised Expo 2027/28 will be chosen by BIE member states and the winner will be officially announced in June 2023.

By Nad Bunnag, Thai PBS World