TCEB to bid for World Expo 2020

"TCEB will invite the private sector and representatives from the

MICE business to hear details of the project on November 18," TCEB

president Akapol Sorasuchat said yesterday.

The agency has started discussing with 12 tourism bodies to craft a

joint bidding proposal to host the expo.

TCEB plans to submit the proposal to the organiser in 2011-2012,

eight to nine years ahead of the event's schedule, but further decisions

or advisories will come after the meeting next Wednesday.

If all parties agree with the effort, TCEB will then ask the Cabinet for

the green light to proceed further with the plan.

It will be the first time for the government to chase after one of

world's biggest events.

Thailand has the potential to organise such a big event as the country

already has good infrastructure and also tourist attractions, he said.

The World Expo would be a catalyst for the meeting, incentive, con

vention and exhibition industry, as it would draw millions of visitors

from around the world. It would also be a huge shot in the arm for the

domestic economy. Huge investment will come along the project.

Japan, Spain and China have been home to an expo and all the coun

tries succeeded in overall economic development.

"If we could get that big event, the MICE business would be devel

oped automatically," he said.

Some private sector bodies are worried about domestic instability, which is discouraging foreign groups from locating events or investing in the country.

Some of the events planned for Thailand have been postponed due to the internal problems. Some have already moved to the Middle East or other countries where the organisers feel more confident.