After a six-month study by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the cities are left in the race for Thailand’s bid on the World Expo 2020.
Phuket had high hopes, but is now finally out of the race. Phetchaburi and Chanthaburi are also out.
An in-depth study over the next four months will decide what needs to be done to make one of the three venues the best host city, says The Nation.
Ayutthaya is thought to be ahead in the race because of its advantage lay in its proximity to Bangkok, although it has the disadvantage of being flood-prone. Chon Buri is not far from Suvarnabhumi Airport and close to a deep-sea port. Chiang Mail has had the experience of hosting the Royal Expo, but if it is chosen, more infrastructure will need to be developed, were the words from the Cabinet’s President Akapol Sorasuchart.
“At this stage, Ayutthaya is ranked No 1, followed by Chon Buri and Chiang Mai,” co-chief executive of Index Event Agency, Kriengkrai Kanjanapokin said to The Nation.
The host bids were evaulated in terms of location, infrastructure, accommodation, facilities, the perception of the locals, and local administrative bodies and deadiness to cash in on the event by undertaking the necessary development.
Thailand’s plan is to bid for the 2020 World Expo on September 5, says The Nation. In about four months, the studies of each of the shortlisted cities will be completed, and an official city-bid from Thailand will be able to take place.
Either Ayutthaya, Chon Buri or Chiang Mai will have to beat about 15 other cities in nine countries to host the World Expo 2020. They include Manila, Brisbane, Copenhagen, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, Montreal, San Francisco, Houston and Los Angeles. Minneapolis, Atlanta, Guangzhou, and a city in South Africa.
The final decision on who is to host the World Expo 2020 will be made in 2014.
