Bangkok, 22 May 2008 — The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) today teams up with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to announce Thailand’s readiness in hosting the ‘ITU TELECOM ASIA 2008’, following the government approval to speed up working processes. The recent move from the government to sign a host country agreement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aims to optimize the country’s potential as the regional ICT and MICE destination in Asia.

“‘The ITU TELECOM ASIA 2008’ is regarded as the top-class exhibition on IT and communications technology, of which the organizing hub has been shifted from the Western world to the fast-growing ICT industry in the Asia-Pacific region, in which also seen highest total telecommunication investment value, dynamic IT and mobile technology development as well as constant innovation advancement”, said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Man Pattanothai. ‘Apart from being a platform for Thailand and other participating countries to showcase their potential as well as readiness on telecommunications technology, the event serves as an international forum to work out on the planning and jointly determine common ICT policy among concerned agencies, both locally and internationally, to support the future growth of ICT industry.

“According to the cabinet resolution dated May 20, 2008, the cabinet agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ITU to organize TELECOM ASIA 2008. The ICT Minister, on behalf of the Thai government, has been assigned to provide support as well as facilitation to all processes of the event for ITU, ranging from visa stamp and the arrival of the delegates, facilitation on customs formality processes and temporary exemption of import and export duties of all kinds, to the provision of security and the management of transportation and accommodations” added ICT Minister.