Cabinet Approved to Official Bid World Expo 2020, to Boost International Confidence of Thailand as the Central MICE in Asia
This is welcome news amidst the crisis of tourism and MICE industry, which are being affected by current political situation. When the Cabinet officially approved for bidding Thailand as the host of “World Expo 2020”, all parties has expected to retrieve the MICE crisis, revive the tourism atmosphere and emphasize Thailand as the hub for MICE in Asia. The estimated investment cost of 20 billion baht is expected to generate returns of up to 160 billion baht for Thailand’s economy.
Before the Cabinet permitted this event bidding since April 20, 2010, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), a public organization that pushes Thailand to auction for hosting “World Expo 2020”, has conducted a project approach and the possibility of the bidding since November 2009 and held press conference to raise public awareness about the World Expo, the event’s principles and reasons, benefits of hosting the event in Thailand in 2020, as well as to solicit feedback and recommendations from the private sector, the MICE industry and State agencies.
Mr Akapol Sorasuchart , President of TCEB, declared “in the Cabinet meeting on April 20, 2010, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval to go ahead with plans to submit a bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Thailand, as proposed by the Deputy Prime Minister (Maj-Gen Sanan Kajornprasart), who is responsible for overseeing the work of TCEB. It was agreed that TCEB should consult the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) on next steps in preparing Thailand’s bid, which will be formally submitted in 2011. Also, a project feasibility study will be conducted and initially funded from TCEB’s 2010 budget. The feasibility study will inform future decisions in regard to investment budget allocation, selection of project locations to match with planned mass transit systems and basic infrastructure. Also it will recommend an appropriate theme for the event, supported by a detailed investment budget for each phase of preparation. A preliminary report is to be completed within 60 days for Cabinet consideration.
In addition to appoint the national committee, TCEB was assigned to raise public awareness about the World Expo, which Thailand has participated in the event since 1862 during the reign of King Rama IV, and most importantly, to highlight the advantages gaining from hosting the World Expo 2020 in Thailand. The public awareness campaign will initially be funded from TCEB’s 2010 budget and formally present to the Prime Minister consideration to announce Thailand’s intent to bid by 18 June 2010 during the forthcoming World Expo 2010 event in Shanghai, China.
“At present, TCEB is planning to send Thai representatives to China to meet with Chinese Government representatives who are responsible for organizing the World Expo 2010 event in Shanghai, which begins from May 2010. To consult with China’s experience from the outset, including the planning, organization and administration of their bid campaign will provide valuable guidance to present Thailand National Committee, which will be responsible for preparing detail submissions and recommendations for Thailand’s bid during 2011.” President of TCEB said.
Therefore, this is great news for Thai people under this political unrest. TCEB pre-feasibility study presented to Cabinet underlines the full support of all stakeholders for a 2020 bid for the World Expo, and anticipates a broad distribution of income resulting from the event. This will also help to raise standards in Thailand business, to boost international confidence in Thailand, and to drive the country’s long-term national development.
