BANGKOK/ 9 May 2011: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), together with the City of Ayutthya, announced progress in preparations for Thailand’s bid to host the World Expo 2020. On 29th April, the Prime Minister, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, signed a proposal and declared the city of Ayutthaya as Thailand’s nominated city in hosting the World Expo. On progress, Deputy Prime Minister Major General Sanan Kajornprasart, who oversees TCEB’s operations and the Thai government’s official delegate, will assemble the meeting with the Bureau of International Exposition (BIE) in Paris, France, on 16 May to discuss the details and progress of Thailand’s bid.

Speaking at the Press Conference, Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, the President of TCEB, he provided the latest update on Thailand’s bid, and disclosed; “following Cabinet approval on 4 April, the proposal announced that Thailand will nominate the city of Ayutthaya as a possible site for World Expo 2020, officially endorsed by Prime Minister Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva. TCEB, overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Major General Sanan Kajornprasart, will meet with BIE in Paris, France, on 16 May, to deliberate how to move forward in raising awareness of the project in BIE’s 157 member countries.

“At present, TCEB plan awareness-raising strategies in target countries in all region across the world. The strategies will be executed via national communication networks of all organizations in order to promote Thailand under the theme: “Balanced Life, Sustainable Living – Let’s Redefine Globalization.”

Emphasizing the readiness and potential of the province, Mr. Wittaya Phewphong, Governor of Ayutthaya Province, noted that “the people of Ayutthaya province as well as state agencies and the private sector have been cooperating well and participating together in the province’s preparations, in the hope of being given this opportunity to represent Thailand on this unique occasion, to welcome foreigners in the exchange of knowledge and mixing of diverse cultures. The focus is on the province’s key attractions, its culture and rich history. In particular, the harmonious co-existence among Ayutthaya’s diverse traditional ways of life offers a perfect example of the theme and core values of the World Expo 2020.

“We want to emphasize the high level of participation and support from the local people from the very outset, and for BIE this is also an important criterion in selecting the winning bid. Ayutthaya City has prepared promotional signs to be posted around the province at government offices, educational institutions, local administration offices, company premises and shops. I can affirm that the entire province is united behind our bid and ready to play our part in supporting Ayutthaya as Thailand’s nominated city to host the World Expo 2020.”

Moreover, Ayutthaya’s post-expo proposals for city and land development are based on the premise that the event zone will be close to the urban area. Locations under consideration are Bangsai district and other locations with convenient transport links with Bangkok. These locations can serve to absorb Bangkok’s future expansion, creating a new “Outer Bangkok” development zone. Furthermore, we are considering a new development to transform the Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre into a center for international culture, which after the World Expo will remain as a regional capital for arts and crafts. Whilst most of the World Expo structures will be temporary, allowing for easy removal and re-use elsewhere, some permanent buildings will remain as an enduring symbol of this great event.

In conclusion, Mr. Akapol added that, “TCEB has joined forces with the Advertising Association of Thailand to raise awareness and increase participation and support from local people in Ayutthaya. Our first campaign will be the “Expo 2020 Ayutthaya, Thailand” logo and mascot contest which will take place from June to July. The target groups are advertising and design companies, educational institutions, clubs and organizations, as well as local people themselves.”

Thailand and Ayutthaya will of course be competing with many other countries in the bid to host the World Expo 2020. Turkey is proposing Izmir under the theme “New Routes to a Better World/Health for All” with the emphasis on health (the concept already used by Turkey in its bid to host the World Expo 2015 host). Countries that have officially expressed interest bid must officially submit their bids within 6 months after the first country has submitted the bid to BIE; Russia and Brazil, despite expectations, have yet to officially submit their proposals to host this global mega-event.

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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations Division, Marketing Communication Department
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Ms. Parichat Svetasreni Tel: 02-694-6092
Mr. Sumet Kanchanapan Tel: 02-694-6096