Thailand Voices "New Global Dialogue" through World Expo 2020 Ayutthaya at 151st BIE General Assembly in Paris

BANGKOK, June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Thailand delivered its third update on preparations to submit Thailand's bid to host the World Expo 2020 Ayutthaya the 151st General Assembly of the Bureau of International Expositions (Bureau International des Expositions: BIE) in Paris during last 11-12 June among 157 member countries.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120629/HK33241 )

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Chumpol SILAPA-ARCHA, led a delegation of Royal Thai Government representing the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation) or TCEB, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to assure confidence among member countries. The Royal Thai government has highlighted its abundant support by granting Thailand's bid as a priority under the 'National Agenda', and fast-tracking construction of the largest flood control scheme in Thailand.

Mr. Chumpol SILAPA-ARCHA, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, disclosed that, "Thailand is now stepping ahead to lead other candidate cities. The National Bidding Committee was set up. The key agencies responsible for preparing our bid are Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I believe we have succeeded in building confidence among BIE's 157 member countries. This is our third update to BIE on the status of Thailand's bid preparations, and stressed the significance of the government's announcement incorporating the project as part of the National Agenda."

Thailand's report also emphasised the superb transportation network, world-class international airport, and Thailand's strategic location as the gateway to Asia. The Royal Thai Government has confirmed their strong commitment to complete the country's largest flood control system, which will bring immense benefits to the city and province of Ayutthaya, which has been nominated as the location for hosting World Expo 2020.

Mr. Varawut SILAPA-ARCHA, Advisor to the Board of Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, added that, "Thailand's plan to establish three levels of local participation in the project: firstly at local level, to maximise engagement of the population of Ayutthaya Province; at the national level the bid was promoted at the BOI Fair earlier this year, attended by more than two million Thais, as well as through a national campaign. At the international level, a major communication campaign has been implemented and scheduled to be unleashed worldwide very soon."

During the assembly, Thailand has conveyed some examples of topics that might be utilised by member countries as themes for their own pavilions, under the Expo's main theme "Redefine Globalisation - Balanced Life, Sustainable Living". With this outstanding theme, it delivers the new global dialogue. Member countries are liberated to adopt, interpret and define these topics in accordance with their own individual cultural and local perspective. The sub-themes are also introduced which are as follows:

1. Revive Local Wisdoms for Human Well Being: including exercise and meditation, herbs and organic foods, traditional cultures and architecture,
2. Reunite Connections for Seamless Harmony: transport innovations, communication technologies, and social cohesion;
3. Rethink Creativity for Utmost Happiness: Creative arts, alternative energy, natural resource management, and eco-tourism;
4. Reform Life's Values for Global Solidarity: Building cooperation without discrimination, unconditional giving, and eliminating social inequality.

Thailand is elaborated in detail of the completed Ayutthaya Bid Book. This requires presentation of project plans for every key component, including financial plan, national infrastructure development programme, master plan and designs, and communications. Ayutthaya Bid Book is scheduled to be submitted to BIE by December 2012

In conclusion, Mr. Chumpol said, "Thailand will present the status of its bid to BIE another two times - in November 2012 and in June 2013. In addition, in January 2013, BIE will also schedule their official visit to Thailand to inspect the site and country's readiness and potential."

Apart from this, Thailand's participation at Expo 2012 at Yeosu, Korea was widely acclaimed. The Thai Pavilion has so far attracted more than 350,000 people in the first month since opening, and has proved one of the event's most popular pavilions.

For more information, please visit www.tceb.or.th

Media contact:

Department of Marketing Communication, Division of Public Relations, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Ms Parichat Svetasreni
Tel: +662-694-6092
Email:  [email protected]

Mr Sumet Kanchanapan
Tel: +662-694-6096
Email:  [email protected]

SOURCE Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau