Thailand shows strong sign of multi-sectoral support throughout the country for “Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand” prior to the official announcement of the selected host country on 21 June 2023. The Kingdom is competing for the hosting rights with four other candidates – Argentina, Serbia, Spain and the US.
The campaign to rally support, undertaken since the beginning of the year by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, has resulted in the proliferation of communication channels of large conglomerates and corporations showing message of their commitment to supporting the country’s bid. The message can be found on their product labels, billboards, ATM screens, websites and social media.
The business enterprises joining the support campaign are all large conglomerates and are mostly blue chip companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Their business ranges from ago-industry, banking, construction, petrochemical, energy, retail, hospital, telecommunication, blockchain technology, airline, hotel to food and beverages. The supporters include three major private sector associations – The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Bankers Association.
The broadcast, print and online media operators in Thailand also share the ambition of Phuket to host the first world-scale expo in Southeast Asia and South Asia by running a series of interviews with TCEB President on the bid, broadcasting TCEB’s video on the expo and showing expo banners and mention of support in their programs and news reels.
If winning the bid, Thailand will host the expo during 20 March – 17 June 2028 on the 141-rai plot of land at Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District in the northern part of Phuket island. The theme is “Future of Life – Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”. After the end of the expo, Thailand will transform and develop the venue site into an international medical and public health centre.
The multi-sectoral support witnessed for the “Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand” bid exemplifies the enthusiasm and determination of Thailand to host a world-class event. The collective efforts of conglomerates, corporations, private sector associations, and media operators have effectively communicated the nation’s readiness and commitment to embrace the future. If successful, the expo will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, while the post-expo transformation of the venue into a medical and public health center demonstrates Thailand’s dedication to long-term sustainable development.