Thailand to offer hosting 2020 World Expo

BANGKOK, Sept 3 - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will participate in Thailand's national day this weekend at the "World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China" and to officially offer to host the 2020 World Exposition.

As the expo organisers this year scheduled September 5 as Thailand's national day, representatives from Thailand will promote Thai culture such as Thai dancing at the expo's centre stage.

On this occasion, the premier said Thailand would offer itself and announce its readiness to host the World Expo ten years from now.

Thailand joined this year's Expo under the theme "Thainess: Sustainable Ways of Life", displaying exhibitions and showcasing Thai culture at "The Thailand Pavillion" in a space of over 3,000 square metres.

Mr Abhisit said so far there has been around 4 million participants visiting the pavillion, demonstrating that it has much been of interest to visitors.

Thailand has prepared its readiness to host such event, the premier said, by having related agencies to select a suitable province for the World Expo, with Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai are the three choices.

He added the announcement on which province is selected will be made around mid-2011.

"The World Exposition will fairly help stimulate the Thai economy. Despite a high investment, there will be a great number of visitors. The important thing is it will promote the image of Thailand," said Mr Abhisit.

The prime minister during his trip will be visiting a research centre on solar energy in Shanghai, and will be interviewed by international media as well as meeting with Thai officials, businessmen and students living in Shanghai.

Starting on May 1, the Expo 2010 Shanghai China runs through Oct 31 with a number of expected visitors at 70 million. (MCOT online news)