THE THAI cabinet yesterday appointed Ayuthaya as the host city in the country’s bid to host the World Expo 2020.
The ancient Thai capital was chosen for its close proximity to Bangkok and its planned mega-infrastructure development compared to Chiang Mai and Chonburi, the other destinations shortlisted during a feasibility study led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) in August last year (TTG Asia e-Daily, August 23, 2010).
TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said Thailand would submit its bidding proposal to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) within six months.
Thailand will need to win votes from at least 80 countries out of a total of 157 to secure its host country status, said Akapol.
Other countries in the running include Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, the UAE, the US and South Africa. The BIE will announce the successful host country in 2014.
By Sirima Eamtako
