Governor attempts to revive Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Center



Gov Chamroen says he is confident and ready to present the ICEC plan to the Deputy Prime Minister. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: The Phuket governor is attempting to resurrect the Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC) after the plan was killed during the Yingluck Adminsitration’s rule.

“I am willing to breathe new life into this project in Mai Khao; as a member city of Thailand’s MICE [Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions], the only thing we are missing to fully comply with this effort is such a facility,” Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada said on December 14.

“This facility would not only benefit tourism, but would also help to steer Phuket toward becoming a hub of trade for Thailand. It will help us to draw commercial interests to the island. It is time to reconsider this project.”

Governor Chamroen established four key points that needed to be addressed: the location of the facility, to see if Mai Khao is still the most appropriate location; the design, to ensure appropriate usage of land allocation; the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure that officials fully understand what impact the facility would have; and investment, to establish a balance between the government and the private sector.

The failure of the Phuket ICEC to move forward in 2012, while the budget and execution of a similar plan in Chaing Mai received the green light, led to accusations that the project was ‘stolen’ from the province.

Full story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Governor-attempts-revive-Phuket-International-Convention-Exhibition/62675?desktopversion

-- Phuket Gazette 2015-12-19

Phuket and the Maikhaw people need this ICEC like brain cancer. May the Governor find a way to get his slice of the cake without further nature destruction.

No doubt someone will be getting 'a slice of the cake'