19-6-2023 (BANGKOK) All eyes are eagerly awaiting the announcement on June 21, when the world will discover which country will have the privilege of hosting the prestigious Specialised Expo 2028. Thailand’s hopes are soaring as Phuket emerges as one of the top five finalists contending for this globally renowned event.
The competition to secure the hosting rights for the Specialised Expo 2028, overseen by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) that governs World Expos, has been fierce. Countries from around the globe have been vying for the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, innovations, culture, and economic prowess on the international stage.
Phuket finds itself in the final round, running neck-and-neck with four other cities in the race to be selected as the host for the 2028 expo, scheduled to take place from March 21 to June 20, 2028.
The other four contenders are Minnesota, United States; Belgrade, Serbia; Malaga, Spain; and Bariloche, Argentina.
Recently, prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat expressed his government’s support for Phuket’s bid to host the expo. This pledge has instilled international confidence that the government, even amidst transitions, will wholeheartedly back the event if Thailand is chosen.
Emerging as the victor would mark a historic moment not only for Thailand but also for the Southeast Asian and South Asian regions.
As the first nation in this part of the world to host a Specialised Expo, Thailand would have a unique opportunity to illuminate its rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable development initiatives.
A Spark from Within Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), revealed that Thailand’s proposal to host the expo was initiated by Phuket residents themselves.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Phuket had planned the development of a comprehensive health and wellness centre, the 1.4-billion-baht Medical Plaza, under the state-run Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Discussions involving the hospital, state agencies, and private entities led to the decision to expand the project and add greater value to the province.
Subsequently, they proposed hosting the Specialised Expo to the TCEB. Following a thorough assessment, the TCEB presented the proposal to the cabinet, which approved Phuket’s bid to host the event in November 2021.
Mr. Chiruit remarked, “It is a rare case, seeing a big project initiated by residents like this. It is a spark from within.”
Following the cabinet’s approval, the Transport Ministry endorsed an approximately 80-billion-baht investment plan to enhance mass transport infrastructure on the island, connecting air, land, and marine modes of transportation for the event.
The project includes the implementation of a 42-km electric train and an EV-Bus Rapid Transit system.
Moreover, the government has allocated 4.18 billion baht for hosting the Specialised Expo 2028, if Thailand is selected, in addition to the 1.4 billion baht already granted to Vachira Phuket Hospital for the development of the health and wellness centre.
A Focus on Sustainability Given that the Specialised Expo 2028 will take place two years ahead of the United Nations’ 2030 timeframe for achieving its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most competing countries are emphasizing sustainability as their central theme.
Phuket’s proposed theme for the expo is “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity.” This theme will spotlight both modern and traditional knowledge and research, promoting good health and wellness, as well as high-quality hospitality services in Phuket.
The other four contenders have proposed the following themes: Minnesota suggests “Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Wellness and Well-Being For All”; Belgrade proposes “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”; Malaga puts forward “The Urban Era: Towards the Sustainable City”; and Bariloche presents “Nature + Technology = Sustainable Energy, Available Future for Humanity.”
Extensive Benefits Mr. Chiruit emphasized that if Thailand emerges victorious, the expo will not only benefit Phuket and its local residents but the entire country.
It will serve as a platform to showcase Thailand, attracting numerous major events to other regions as well.
Furthermore, the expo will play a central role in Thailand’s plans to promote health, wellness, and medical tourism in Southeast Asia.
The event is projected to generate an economic value of up to 50 billion baht and draw approximately 5 million visitors.
Moreover, the expo is expected to create 113,439 jobs in Phuket while bolstering tourism in neighboring provinces.
The 124 member nations of the BIE will cast their votes on June 21. A country that secures two-thirds of the votes will win the opportunity to host the expo.
If no country reaches the two-thirds threshold, the country with the lowest votes in each round will be eliminated. Voting rounds will continue until a final winner is determined.
As the moment of revelation approaches, Thailand’s bid team remains optimistic and hopeful.
With its strategic location, vibrant culture, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Thailand stands as a strong contender for hosting the expo.
The event promises to be transformative, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale.
