Phuket, the renowned tourism destination in Thailand, is in fierce competition with cities from the United States, Spain, Argentina, and Serbia to secure the opportunity to host the Specialized Expo in 2028. The island province, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is gearing up for the official presentation of its bid, scheduled to take place later this month.
Cherdchai Chaivaivid, the Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs and leader of the Phuket Expo 2028 bidding team, revealed that their proposal would be unveiled to the members of the Bureau International des Expositions (B-I-E) on June 21st in the enchanting city of Paris, France. The ultimate decision on the host city will be determined by the 124 voting members in attendance.
Under the proposed theme, “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity,” Phuket aims to emphasize the importance of people, the planet, and prosperity as the cornerstones of sustainable development. This theme underscores the province’s commitment to ensuring a balanced and harmonious approach to progress.
Cherdchai emphasized the strengths of Phuket’s bid, citing the province’s preparedness, strong collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the local communities, and the desire to extend the expo’s impact far beyond its conclusion. Furthermore, Phuket aims to minimize any negative environmental effects associated with hosting such a grand event.
If Phuket emerges victorious, it will make history as the first Southeast Asian city to host the Specialized Expo. The province also intends to leverage this esteemed event to establish itself as a hub for medical services, conferences, and the preservation of green spaces, further enhancing its reputation as a sustainable and forward-thinking destination.
The economic benefits of hosting the expo are projected to be substantial, with an estimated injection of approximately 50 billion baht into the local economy and the creation of approximately 110,000 job opportunities. The event, scheduled to run from March 21st to June 17th in 2028, is expected to attract a staggering 4.9 million visitors from across the globe.
Regardless of the outcome, Cherdchai reaffirmed Thailand’s unwavering commitment to developing its provinces and showcasing their distinctiveness on the world stage. He emphasized that the progress made in this endeavor would demonstrate Thailand’s preparedness and solidify its position as a top contender for hosting large-scale international events.
