Nine enquiry mission members from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body of World Expos, landed in Thailand last week to evaluate the Phuket’s candidacy to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand.
The mission is a critical step in the selection process of a host city.
Should Phuket be selected, the island would be the first city in South-east Asia to host the high profile global event. The theme, Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity, has been proposed, and the event would be held from March 20 to June 17, 2028 on a 22.56-hectare site on Mai Khao Beach.
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has projected a minimum of seven million expo visitors and a revenue of 50 billion baht (US$1.4 billion) for Thailand. The event is also recognised as an opportunity to raise the quality of life for residents of the province by accelerating infrastructural development for transport, healthcare, and tourism.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, stated that BIE’s key priority is in post-expo area development. As such, TCEB is highlighting that the facilities built for Expo 2028 Phuket will be re-developed into the World Medical and Wellness Center with provisions for public-private partnerships in healthcare and wellness, education, and sustainable living.
“The Expo will benefit not only the city of Phuket but also other provinces on the Andaman coast and Thailand. The Expo is expected to generate 110,000 jobs, increase Thailand’s gross domestic product by 39.357 billion baht, and raise tax revenues by 9.512 billion baht. The Thai government is projecting a return-on-investment of 900 per cent,” he said in a press statement.
“Most importantly, Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand will spotlight Thailand and Phuket as a world-class destination and promote health and wellness tourism. We have started to prepare for our second country presentation in November when we hope to convince BIE of Phuket’s global appeal,” he added.
