JSCCIB JOINS HANDS WITH TCEB TO DEMONSTRATE THAI PRIVATE SECTOR’S SUPPORT FOR THE BID TO HOST EXPO 2028 PHUKET THAILAND

25 January 2023: The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB to show support of the Thai private sector for the bid to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand and help raise public awareness of the bid which is now prioritised as the national agenda. The MOU comes as the bid enters the final phase, with Thailand competing against four other countries for a final host selection in June.

The signed MOU between JSCCIB and TCEB is an affirmation of the collaboration of all sectors in Thailand, especially the business sector, in supporting the country’s candidature for Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand. It is to assure the committee of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and its 171 member countries in Thailand’s commitment to the global exposition.

Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), and Chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, said: “The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising Board of Trade of Thailand, Federation of Thai Industries and Thai Bankers’ Association, has pleasure to be a part in supporting Thailand and Phuket to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand. We will help raise awareness and solicit collaboration from our network both in the country and overseas. To be implemented under the concept “Connect the Dot”, our initiative will unite our stand effectively because it will involve close collaboration with the Joint Standing Committee of Phuket province and Andaman provincial cluster which consists of not only Phuket but also Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun. We will be making preparation for their participation and joint actions that will create possible opportunities for Thailand to become the host. Furthermore, we will seek collaboration from the Joint Standing Committee in every province of Thailand, including Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce (YEC) that belongs to Thai Chamber of Commerce so that we can deliver support in full force. We believe the collaboration of the Thai private sector will be one key engine driving Thailand towards success in winning the bid to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand under the theme “Future of Life – Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, stated: "TCEB encourages all sectors to support Thailand's bid to host the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand. The collaboration with JSCCIB reflects significant support from the Thai private sector. TCEB will discuss with the private sector in publicising the bid among every target group, such as joint forum to discuss possible collaboration for bid support, development of support feature on the website where Thai people can demonstrate their support. Furthermore, TCEB will distribute logos, banners, and promotional videos to raise awareness of the bid, which is now on a national agenda."

Thailand submitted the bid to host the Specialised Expo 2028 under the name Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand, which is scheduled from 20 March – 17 June 2028. The event will be themed “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity” and will be held on a 141-rai of land in Mai Khao Sub District, Thalang, Phuket. The Specialised Expo in Phuket is expected to provide both direct and indirect benefits by creating a platform for international collaboration that focuses on exchanging knowledge and innovative solutions for improving quality of life, promoting sustainable living, and fostering shared prosperity. The Expo will also stimulate economic activities, income distribution, employment in tourism and MICE industry and elevate the potential and standard of medical tourism. Additionally, the global event will aid in the development of infrastructure and utilities, improve the quality of life, and support sustainable development of local human resource.

The Prime Minister of Thailand has appointed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Chairman of Thailand Candidature Committee for the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand. Key and bid-relevant government agencies are the Ministry of Public Health as the host of the Specialised Expo, Phuket Province as the host city, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the lead agency for international campaigning, the Ministry of Commerce as an official member of BIE, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand as the leading agency promoting the country's readiness. Meanwhile, TCEB, as the national bidder for the Specialised Expo, will carry out activities under the BIE's guidelines. The next scheduled event is the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand Symposia, which will occur in February in Paris, France. TCEB will extend an invitation to the Permanent Delegation of the BIE member countries to attend the event, where event experts from Thailand will join forces to present the country's vision statement for hosting the Expo. Additionally, the symposia will feature small seminars for each group of countries.

If Thailand is chosen to host the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand, it is estimated that the three-month event will attract 4.92 million visitors, with a turnover of approximately 7 million visitors from 106 countries, resulting in a cash flow of 49.231 billion baht, 39.357 billion baht in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and tax revenue of 9.512 billion baht. Furthermore, it is projected that the Expo will create over 113,439 jobs and will be the first global Expo held in Southeast and South Asia.

Thailand is now among the finalists, along with four other countries - the United States, Serbia, Spain, and Argentina. The host country will be chosen by representatives from all 171 BIE member countries, and the winner will be announced in June this year.

Visit https://support.expo2028thailand.com to show your support for Thailand's bid to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand.