PHUKET: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has submitted a formal letter of support for Phuket to host the World Specialized Expo in 2028.
The undated letter, shared today (June 15) by the Phuket Office of Public Relations Department (PR Phuket), was submitted to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in English, French and Thai.
“As one of the most visited countries in the world, Thailand is honored to warmly welcome many international friends to share our cultural heritage and enjoy the unique Thai way of life in all regions of our country. From the temperate forest hills of our northern region to the sweeping plains of north-east Esarn, our vibrant capital Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River and our pristine tropical islands to the south, Thailand has appreciated seeing many international travelers in our country with the appropriate one unique spirit of friendship with the Thai people,” the Prime Minister wrote.
“With such a long history of connecting with peoples of many cultures, Thailand has held in high regard the spirit of global citizenship and, with it, the importance of reviving globalization to the benefit of all countries. In this regard, Thailand welcomes the opportunity to accelerate international cooperation on the many global issues that require an invigorated spirit of global citizenship, be it for sustainable growth, climate change, peacebuilding or access to sustainable development,” he continued.
“With this in mind, I am delighted to reiterate my support for Phuket Island’s candidacy to host a special exhibition on the theme in 2028 “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity‘. I believe that Phuket Expo 2028, with Thailand’s experience in sustainable development, world-class tourism and hosting many international gatherings, will be a successful event leading to our shared commitment to the SDGs and indeed a renewed spirit of internationalism through productivity and innovation contributes to collaboration between our sectors of government, business and civil society,” Prime Minister Prayut wrote.
“Thailand stands ready to welcome the world to Phuket Island for Phuket Expo 2028 and looks forward to this outstanding opportunity to promote a renewed appreciation of the global connectivity and solidarity that contributes to our shared quest for development, progress and prosperity for everyone will contribute,” he concluded.
A notice with the letter that the Expo is expected to take place from March 20th to June 17th, 2028.
The three-month event is expected to attract 4.9 million visitors to the expo, generating 49 billion baht in cash flow expenses, contributing a total of 39 billion baht to the national GDP. Tax collection revenue generated by Phuket as the host of the event is estimated at B9.5 billion
Hosting the event is expected to create around 113,000 jobs, with the event itself generating a 9x ROI (return on investment).
The event is scheduled to take place at 141 Rail State near Tha Chatchai in Mai Khao on the northern tip of the island.
The project plan envisages building a “world-class health tourism city” with a 5,000-seat conference center and research facility on site, the release said.
The infrastructural benefits that Phuket will enjoy from hosting the expo will position itself as a medical, health and wellness tourism destination, as well as the development of the public health system, the formation of a “medical community”, a senior care center and a modern patient care center all based on the new development .
Other benefits touted were “distribution of wealth and reduction of inequality in urban development” and “development of a unified waste management system in the Phuket area.”
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has repeatedly said that the bid to host the expo is part of a plan to help broaden Phuket’s economic base and reduce the island’s over-reliance on destination tourism.
In addition, in January, the cabinet approved a budget of 4.18 billion baht for Phuket to host the expo.
Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Thanusak Phungdet has announced that a delegation from the BIE is currently expected in Phuket for a four-day inspection tour from July 25-28.
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