Thai government throws its support behind Phuket’s bid to host expo event in 2028

Phuket Specialised Expo 2028 bid

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has thrown its weight behind Phuket’s bit to host the Specialised Expo 2028 on the island.

“This will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia which will benefit the entire region.”

The MFA Permanent Secretary, Sarun Charoensuwan, says that it’s not only Phuket’s bid but also Thailand’s bid to host the international event in Phuket.

“The government sector, private sector and local communities have shown their commitment and support and are fully capable of hosting the world expo.”

No country or location in Southeast Asia has never been chosen to host the specialised expo.

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

Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew says Phuket already has a development strategy to become a “hub” in a number of areas – a medical hub, a city of gastronomy, an international education hub, a marina hub, a MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and expeditions) city, a smart city, sports tourism and tuna industry hubs for ASEAN.

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

“Hosting of the event in Phuket will help boost the economy, both for Phuket and Thailand as a whole.

Phuket’s bid to host the event says that it is expected to attract 4.9 million visitors to the island, generate 49 billion baht in revenue and create 113,000 jobs.

The four other cities bidding for the event are San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina, Malaga in Spain, Belgrade in Serbia and Minnesota in the US.

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

Phuket’s event location does not currently exist and the infrastructure would have to be constructed and operational within 4 years. The site, located on the far northern coast of the island, adjacent to Sarasin Bridge, would later be adapted as the “World Medical and Wellness Centre”, which has already been approved as a concept by the Thai government.

Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-events/thai-government-throws-its-support-behind-phukets-bid-to-host-expo-event-in-2028/