This logo was chosen by Thailand to represent the country's bid to host the

World Expo 2020 in the historical city of Ayutthaya. It is a modernized and

modified design image of a local type of Carp fish (Cyprinidae).

The design embodies a re-definition of "globalization" and projects the concept

of "Balanced Life and Sustainable Living" - the theme for the Ayutthaya

Thailand Expo 2020.

Although the logo projects universality and the global dynamism of world

expositions, the Carp fish design is also the official emblem of the Province of

Ayutthya, a former Thai capital with a rich history as a trading hub. The design

presents a striking balance between the modern world, the environment, water,

life and richness of the soul.

The fish in the logo is swimming eastwards, taking the world towards East Asia

and Thailand, which hopes to play host to the 2020 Expo. It signifies

Ayutthaya‟s potentials and capabilities to welcome the world as a hospitable and

productive host to the 2020 World Expo.

This particular Carp is a fresh water fish living in clean and non-polluted

waterways. The symbol reflects the co-existence between man and nature. In

Thai the fish is called "Pien" - a word which translates literally as "united

endeavor" and a fitting description of Thailand's facilitation of the world expo.

Uniting with BMA to Prepare “Bangkok: Gateway to World

Expo 2020 Ayutthaya”

27-09-2011

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public

Organization) or TCEB is moving forward to foster unity

from the public. TCEB‟s latest event: the „World Expo

2020: Believe in Thailand‟ is being organised jointly with

the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) and major

shopping centres: Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam

Discovery. The event will debut a multimedia exhibition,

featuring the motto “We want Expo". At the event, to

be held at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon, the first 100,000 “I Want Expo” cards

will be posted to inspire all Thais to join hands with a common goal. Moreover,

TCEB has joined force with Bangkok Metropolitan Authority to position

Bangkok, where is provided a direct link with Ayutthaya, as the „Gateway to

World Expo 2020 Ayutthaya‟.

Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, the President of TCEB, revealed that "As part of our

efforts to publicise Thailand‟s bid to host the World Expo 2020, our aim is to

educate the public and inspire all Thai people to join together in supporting the

bid. This is why we have organised this „World Expo 2020: Believe in Thailand‟.

During mid-August, we launched a vibrant EXPO troop through 6 of Bangkok‟s

key business districts, and received tremendous feedback, with over 100,000

people signing "I Want EXPO” cards to show their interest and support.

With this effort, TCEB therefore quickly expand our joint network of

cooperation partners in order to reach out to all of Thailand‟s people. TCEB and

BMA will jointly undertake a series of public relations activities to this World

Expo 2020 Ayutthaya. This is in order to promote Thailand‟s potential to a

global as well as a national audience. As the nation‟s current capital city, the

Bangkok event will reflect on the spirit of Ayutthaya as the nation‟s historic

capital, and the city‟s role as the „Gateway to the World Expo 2020‟. A modern

road and mass transit infrastructure will allow quick and convenient travel

between Bangkok and the World Expo 2020 venue in Ayutthaya" added Mr

Akapol.

Bangkok Governor, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra disclosed, "In partnership with

TCEB, this will extend the network of cooperation among public sector agencies.

BMA pledges our full support for Thailand‟s bid to host World Expo 2020. We

are providing public relations support to raise awareness and promote public

participation through all our 50 district offices throughout the city. We are

also facilitating TCEB‟s campaign activities in Bangkok, and BMA also forms part

of the broader public relations network which is working to build public

engagement and support for the bid to host World Expo 2020.

“So far, BMA will continuously develop collaboration with TCEB in supporting

the bid to host World Expo 2020. We expect that this cooperation will utterly

pave the way to the achievement of Thailand,” added the Bangkok Governor.

The opening of "World Expo 2020: Believe in Thailand" will be taken place from

2-4 September at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon Shopping Centre. The event

features many educational and fun activities, including a glimpse of Thailand‟s

involvement in World Expo events. Since 1862 during the reign of King Rama IV,

Thailand has so far attended 30 World Expo events. Visitors can also see for

the very first time the Sala Thai pavilions as they were built in past World

Expos. Audiences will be delighted by the state-of-the art multimedia

presentations as well as the much-loved „Intrajit‟ giant robot, which was a

highly popular attraction at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Indrajit

returns to Thailand to share all kinds of knowledge about the World Expo.

Visitors will also get a preview of Thailand‟s participation in next year‟s World

Expo 2012, which will take place in the city of Yeosu, Republic of South Korea.

Also, this event will unveil the Kinaree or „Nong Naree‟ mascot, which will be

used in presenting Thailand‟s bid to host World Expo 2020 in Ayuthaya. Apart

from this, there will be many other activities, including the „Nong Tai Robot

Dance‟, photo-stickers with Nong-Tai, quiz games and many great prizes.

"The „World Expo 2020: Believe in Thailand‟ event is evidently an imperative

event to build awareness among Thai people, and also to unite everyone from all

walks of life in supporting our bid to host World Expo 2020. We expect about

200,000 visitors to the event, which through the mass media and social

networking will also reach out to more than 3 million people throughout the

country. I believe that the success of this event is largely due to the excellent

cooperation we have enjoyed among all government agencies and the private

sector," Mr Akapol concluded.

Although the countries bidding to host the World Expo 2020 have grown from

two to five, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is confident

that Ayutthaya remains the top choice.The decision will be made by the Bureau

of International Expositions (BIE) in November 2013.

The initial candidates were Turkey's Izmir and Thailand's Ayutthaya. Now

Russia's Yekaterinburg, Brazil's Sao Paolo and the United Arab Emirates' Dubai

have presented themselves as potential organizers.

Russia's fourth-largest city Yekaterinburg has offered the theme of "Global

Mind: Uniting all Humanity in a Single Conversation", anticipating 30 million

visitors during the event, expected to held from May 15 to October 30, 2020.

The largest city in Brazil promises to stage the biggest event ever - bigger

than China's Shanghai World Expo 2010 - with 18 million visitors from May 15

to November 14. Sao Paolo's theme is "Power of Diversity, Harmony for

Growth".

Dubai introduced itself to the BIE general assembly last month as the city with

a world-class aviation hub, claiming that 90 per cent of total connecting flights

go via Dubai International Airport. Its theme is "Connecting Minds: Creating

the Future".

Turkey's Izmir hopes to win the chance to welcome 39 million visitors during

the show from April 30 to October 31 under the "New Route for a Better

World: Health for All" concept.

TCEB president Akkapol Sorasuchart said yesterday that he strongly believed

that Thailand still stands a chance of clinching the bid with its strong theme

and positioning as the centre of the ASEAN region.

In November 21-22,2008 TCEB attended the BIE general assembly in Paris.

Before the 158 BIE member countries, the bureau portrayed the unity and

resolve of the Thai people to restore the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which has

been proposed as the venue for this world event.

The TCEB also proposed themes for side-events under the overall concept of

"Redefine Globalisation: Balanced Life, Sustainable Living", and highlighted

progress in the awareness-building campaign for Thailand's bid. The bureau

expects to welcome 37 million visitors during the event.

The four side themes are "Revive Local Wisdom for Global Wellness", "Reunite

Connections for Seamless Harmony", "Reinvent Creativity for All Living Beings"

and "Reform Life's Value for Utmost Happiness".

During the meeting, Thailand also updated the delegates on its public-

awareness effort, including a national logo and mascot competition, and the

"World Expo 2020: Believe in Thailand" event held in Bangkok recently. During

that event, 100,000 signatures of Thais were collected as a sign of support for

the country's bid to host World Expo 2020.

Watchiranont Thongtep

The Nation

TCEB prepares Bt300 million budget request for the bid to

host World Expo 2020

08-01-2012

President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Akapol

Sorasuchart, said the bureau is preparing to work in cooperation with the

Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a budget to

prepare for bidding for the World Expo 2020. The initial proposal will be for

Bt300 million.

He said, "the next year will be an important period, especially from October to

November 2012 when TCEB will seek the support of international members

together with the two government agencies. Besides, it is the time to create

awareness, contribution and participation among the people of Thailand. We

have set goals that the bidding for the Ayutthaya World Expo 2020 should be

accepted by more than 80% of the Thai people. It's also time to prepare

Ayutthaya's world expo site for the first survey visit by the expo committee in

February next year.

Ayutthaya, the proposed city for Thailand's World Expo 2020 bid, was hit by

flooding for two months and is now the focus of a massive recovery campaign to

rebuild the province's economy and infrastructure.

"To promote the image of Ayutthaya after the flood crisis, TCEB will utilise

two approches to exphasize the strengths of the province. First is the

recognition of Ayutthaya as an historical UNESCO World Heritage site and the

second is Ayutthaya as a hub of industrial production," said Akapol.

He added that last week more than 100 people from the MICE industry

attended a voluntary event in Ayutthaya, showing the strong will of Thai people

to restore Ayutthaya and promote the city to host the World Expo 2020. This

cooperation also included donations of necessities to Wat Kasatthathirat

Worawiharn and the Bang Sai Royal Arts and Crafts Kindergarten.

Due to the disastrous floods, the government cut budgets by 20%, including the

World Expo campaign budget, to divert funds for flood rehabilitation and to

host the Rotary Club meeting 2012. As a result, the government cannot allocate

a proposed budget for the World Expo 2020 Ayutthaya promotion campaign.

Akapol added that the budget cuts "have forced us to cut back on road shows

to Europe and North America, but trips to Russia, China, Japan, South Korea

and Indonesia are still on track."

The final decision will be made by World Expositions in November 2013, which

is authorised to host exhibitions for member countries of the Bureau of

International Exhibitions.

REDEFINE GLOBALISATION : BALANCED LIFE,

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

With our designated theme and the dedication of both the public and private

sectors of Thailand, we believe that we can provide a platform for discussion, a

stage to share ideas and a place to celebrate the beauty, diversity and wisdom

of every nation in the world. We believe that the Thailand Expo 2020 will be an

Expo that is second to none.

The world is a big jigsaw puzzle made up of pieces put together, different in

their shapes and sizes. Each piece plays a unique role in completing the picture

and each has a place in that picture. All the pieces of this puzzle are not the

same

Globalisation, however, has created a “one-

size-fits-all” mentality. It has assumed that

every piece of this global puzzle is the same

shape, the same size - interchangeable. It has

assumed that any solution should be able to

solve any problem anywhere in the world, that

success in one place is the same as success in

another, that happiness can be achieved in

exactly the same way anywhere in the world.

This one-size-fits-all attitude has created gaps in the world: income gaps, social

gaps, economic gaps, technological gaps, wellness gaps. The rich continue to get

richer while the poor continue to get poorer. Developed countries continue to

innovate and grow while developing countries find themselves hindered by the

very tools meant to aid them. Happiness seems more elusive than ever. The

world has lost its balance. We understand that one size doesn‟t fit all. We

understand that all pieces of the puzzle are not the same. Instead of ignoring

these differences, the world needs to celebrate them. Each country has its own

unique contribution - its own values and its own traditional wisdom - that can

help to solve the world‟s problems.

Globalisation has made us overlook our differences.

This one-size-fits-all attitude has created gaps in the world: income gaps, social

gaps, economic gaps, technological gaps, wellness gaps. The rich continue to get

richer while the poor continue to get poorer. Developed countries continue to

innovate and grow while developing countries find themselves hindered by the

very tools meant to aid them. Happiness seems more elusive than ever. The

world has lost its balance. We understand that one size doesn‟t fit all. We

understand that all pieces of the puzzle are not the same. Instead of ignoring

these differences, the world needs to celebrate them. Each country has its own

unique contribution - its own values and its own traditional wisdom - that can

help to solve the world‟s problems.

Let‟s redefine globalisation to bridge the global gaps.

Change from a finance-led globalisation which focuses on just one thing to

development-led globalisation that sees the value in all things, that understands

the variety, that celebrates diversity. Let‟s correct the imbalance; bring

together and showcase all the traditional wisdoms of the world and share them

with others; create a dialogue so that, together, we can find solutions to our

problems. Together, we can create a balanced and sustainable world. Together,

we can make a difference.

BALANCED LIFE, SUSTAINABLE LIVING

"Balanced Life, Sustainable Living" is the main theme based on a philosophy of

living that highlights Thailand and its cultural wisdom. Its perspective

emphasizes the harmony between people, culture, technologies and the natural

environment as the main interest to manage the positive growth of all

nations. It also gives the world an opportunity to see the future through

Thailand's eyes.

The theme embraces balanced and sustainable ways of life in which each

participating country will present its own interpretation in relation to their

traditions and culture to the world.

Many countries in the world already have the knowledge in science, technology,

finance, resources and skills to achieve the goal. Under such the "mindful"

theme, it's a rare opportunity for so many participating nations to get together

and share their visions for the future of living without causing further harm to

cultures, climate and ecosystems.

The expo will become a tool in driving innovation towards sustainability and

inspiring our thinking and decisions for the future.

With the dedication of both the public and private sectors of Thailand, we

believe that EXPO2020 Ayutthaya - Thailand can provide a platform for

dialogue, to share ideas on the path of sustainability as well as for celebrating

the beauty, diversity and wisdom of every nation in the world .

We will see each participating country engaged in this challenge, moving

forward together as one to foster concerted global action at EXPO 2020

Ayutthaya - Thailand. Such an innovative theme will help put the world on track

towards sustainable and balanced living for the future of all people in the

world.

We believe that EXPO2020 Ayutthaya - Thailand will be a world exposition that

is second to none.

“Together, we can create a balanced and sustainable world. Together, we can

make a difference.”

BENEFITS OF HOSTING A WORLD EXPOSITION

World Expositions are the biggest fairs ever held anywhere with an enormous

capacity to create benefits. They attract large numbers of participants during

their six-month duration, showcasing the world's latest innovations and

breakthroughs in various fields and contributing immeasurably to national

economies. Staging an Expo therefore reaps a number of benefits for the host

country, and that's why so many nations around the world, including Thailand,

are competing for the privilege.

Hosting the World Expo 2020 will bring economic development to Thailand,

which will also be manifested in growth of national revenue

Statistics show that the numbers of visitors to World Expos between 1970 and

2010 has been on the rise. The Shanghai World Expo, which drew 72 million

visitors, surpassed the record number of 64 million visitors at the 1970 fair in

Osaka, Japan. Such a huge figure exceeds the number of visitors to any other

world event, including the Olympics.

Generally, the performance at the World Expos has been positive. The

influence of a World Expo on the major economic indicators of the host

country, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grows in the years preceding

the expo itself.

The event can help promote development of the international economy and

promote increases in Foreign Direct

Investment (FDI) to the host country.

The revenue gained from the

investment in terms of the

infrastructure and amenities

requirements of the event as well as

other investments, also spurs economic

growth in the host country.

The scale of the effort required to host the World Expo demands efficient

management which will lead to innovation and greater collaboration among

private and public organizations.

Another great benefit to the local economy is the creation of jobs. World

Expos are massive events requiring considerable labour input over a broad range

of skills. Human resource development and training is a priority to serve the

demands and deadlines of each project. During the preparatory period as well

as throughout the six-month fair, the unemployment rate in the host country

usually decreases by a significant amount. In Beijing and Shanghai, for example,

the recent World Expo resulted in job creation and employment for more than

100,000 people. In the case of Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan, 40,000 volunteers

participated during the Expo and around 1,000 additional jobs were created.

The global media exposure that is attendant with a World Expo also helps

showcase the identity and strengths of the host country in the eyes of the

world. The end result is a boost to the country‟s tourism sector with new

opportunities for trade and investment. Besides, cultural exchanges and

friendly cooperation between countries are further benefits that are too

valuable to quantify or attach monetary value to.

TCEB continues backing Kingdom as exhibition hub

29-12-2011

Since 2010, the TCEB has implemented the project to elevate the standards of

fairs, enhance technology development and networking, and increase transaction

values through trade shows. It is one of the bureau's commitments to reinforce

Thailand's position as a hub of international trade fairs.

The project is integrated with the "Believe in Thailand" marketing campaign and

highlights the five national-agenda industries - the agricultural and food

industry, gifts and furniture, renewable energy, industrial machinery, and

packaging.

To help drive those key industries, in 2011 the TCEB lent full support to five

trade shows through the "Better the Best" project - ProPak Asia, BIG+BIH

(Bangkok International Gift and Houseware fairs), Metalex, Renewable Energy,

and VIV Asia. These events generated revenue of Bt470 billion.

TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said yesterday that it would increase the

support for this project and Thailand's shows in 2012 and contribute even

higher income to the country.

Supawan Teerarat, director for exhibitions, said the close cooperation between

organizers and the TCEB was one of the factors behind the trade shows

achieving their goals, with increases in exhibitors and international visitors,

especially from Asean+6 countries.

It is a strategic step to gear up Thailand for the Asean Economic Community

and open up business opportunities for exhibitors.

Next year, the TCEB will focus on four trade shows - VIV Asia for agriculture

and food, Renewable Energy, Metalex for industrial machinery, and ProPak Asia

for packaging.

The bureau believes that Thailand's strategic location and readiness are

attractive to investors, which will strengthen Bangkok's role as an exhibition

city in the region.

The TCEB plans to fortify Thailand's leading position in the Asean exhibition

industry by expanding the scope of the "Better the Best" project to specific

target countries in Asean+6, Bimstec and CLMV.

Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic

Cooperation) comprises Bangladesh, India, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal

and Bhutan, while CLMV groups Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Vietnam. Asean+6

comprises the 10 Asean member states plus China, Japan, South Korea, India,

Australia and New Zealand.

TCEB debuts „MICE Capabilities Development Plan 2012‟ to

prepare for AEC

01-02-2012

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation) or TCEB is

accelerating its stakeholder outreach in developing the potential of Thailand‟s

MICE industry through superior integration, in the „MICE Capabilities

Development Plan 2012‟. The plan focuses on upgrading the whole system in

preparation for ASEAN‟s forthcoming economic integration through the AEC.

Education, seen as critical to long-term competitiveness, is addressed in the

Plan through a new initiative to develop a MICE curriculum for students. The

course, known as „MICE 101‟, will provide students with a comprehensive

introduction to the diverse aspects of managing corporate meetings, incentive

activities, international conventions and the international exhibitions ad trade

shows. The curriculum will be piloted at 4 leading Thai universities by this 2012

academic year.

Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, TCEB President, revealed that “We began the task of

designing this course following wide stakeholder consultation and brainstorming

within the MICE industry concerning the implications of the opening of the

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Preparing for this single ASEAN

marketplace through professional development and enhancing MICE standards

is one of the industry‟s top four priorities, and one which must be urgently

addressed in order to meet the competitive challenges of a liberalised market

in 2015.

“TCEB has therefore joined with its partners from all related sectors, including

government and industry in order to bring together our respective capabilities

to promote and strengthen the future competitiveness of Thailand‟s MICE

industry. It is of course significant to develop this potential in the run-up to

the AEC, and so TCEB will ramp up its efforts in earnest from this year on. The

„MICE Capabilities Development Plan 2012‟ resulted directly from our

consultations with industry, and focuses on building capacity and enhancing the

entire industry‟s potential, encompassing the roles of the private and public

sectors as well as the education system.

The Plan has four main fundamental components: (1) Establishment of a MICE

Working Committee to develop the potential of Thailand‟s MICE sector; (2)

Preparation and develop of a research report on the detailed implications of the

formation of the AEC on the MICE sector; (3) Organising of a nationwide series

of workshops, in cooperation with „MICE Cities‟; and (4) Focus on professional

development training to build capacity and calibre of Thailand‟s MICE

professionals”, Mr Akapol added.

The National MICE Development Working Committee includes wide

representation from all MICE stakeholders, comprising the following: (1) TCEB;

(2) the Trade Negotiation Department, Ministry of Commerce; (3) Tourism

Department, Ministry of Sports and Tourism; (4) Thai Exhibition Association

(TEA); (5) the Thai Incentive and Convention Association (TICA); and (6) the

Thai Hotels Association (THA). The working committee will bring together a

large body of knowledge and expertise in studying the implications of the AEC

for Thailand‟s MICE sector, which will serve as an invaluable database for MICE

operators in Thailand. The study report will be made available both as a hard

copy and in electronic form.

In regard to organising the workshops, TCEB has joined forces with four MICE

Cities – Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai- to conduct all scheduled

workshops during 2012. The workshop objectives are to build a wider

understanding among entrepreneurs of the opportunities, challenges and

threats that are presented by economic integration and liberalisation through

the AEC.

Reflecting the plan‟s emphasis on human resources development, TCEB takes a

holistic perspective, targeting public sector agencies, the private sector,

educational institutions, teachers and students. Training courses will be given at

both national and international levels.

“Moreover, TCEB also plans to offer an English for MICE Business course and a

Leadership Programme targeted at MICE professionals, in order to build

capacity and skills amongst Thai MICE professionals. The courses will be

conducted throughout the year. For the international training course we are

also delighted that Thailand has extended its contract to host the UFI

Exhibition Management Degree (EMD) training courses; this attests to

Thailand‟s leadership in the region‟s MICE industry. Most recently, TCEB has

signed a cooperation agreement with the International Association of

Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to jointly plan and support training

courses for MICE operators in Thailand and the ASEAN region covering

organisation of international conferences in the region. The courses aim to

contribute to the industry‟s preparations for the forthcoming establishment of

the AEC,” Mr Akapol added.

Apart from this, the „MICE 101‟ curriculum developed by TCEB in association

with TICA and TEA will provide students with contemporary, business-relevant

knowledge and skills that can prepare them for a career in the MICE industry

following graduation. In bringing together the combined knowledge, experience

and expertise of TCEB, TICA and TEA, including the establishment of a „MICE

Curriculum Development Committee‟, for students enrolled in higher education

institutions, we believe that the course content is fully up to date with

contemporary industry issues at local, regional and global levels. From the

outset, TCEB has already received expressions of interest from four

universities- Mahidol University International College, Prince of Songkhla

University, Ban Somdej Chaopraya Rajabhat University and Siam University.

“The course content provides an entry-level introduction and overview of the

MICE industry. The course outline is divided into 3 major parts: (1) The

overview of Thailand‟s MICE industry; (2) Event management in the MICE

industry; and (3) other important aspects in the MICE industry. Taken

together, the three parts will provide students with comprehensive industry

knowledge, from basic principles, event management for corporate meetings,

incentive programmes, international conventions and exhibitions, organisations,

companies and key industry standards. The curriculum also covers industry

ethics and governance. In future, the course will be continually developed and

upgraded to a full curriculum to be delivered by higher education institutions

nationwide.

This multi-agency collaboration between TCEB, TICA and TEA has resulted in a

comprehensive MICE 101 programme, which will really meet the needs of all

players in the MICE industry. The course will form part of the first and second

year foundation course for undergraduates. The goal is to provide students

with a thorough understanding of the MICE industry and its management, which

can be practically applied after graduation and prepare them for a professional

career in the MICE industry. We anticipate the courses will be ready for launch

at all four pilot universities during the 2012 academic year. For the first year,

we estimate an intake of about 285 students for the four pilot universities.

With wider understanding and appreciation of the course, this number will

probably rise as other universities begin to offer the programme, with up to 40

universities across the country to offer the programme prior to the

liberalization of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

TCEB is confident that the launch of the „MICE Capabilities Development Plan

2012‟ which will be implemented throughout the run-up to 2015 will contribute

to TCEB‟s efforts to develop human resources in the MICE sector and overall

will impact up to 1,000 professionals from the public and private sectors,

teachers and students. We‟re therefore confident that Thailand can maintain

and extend its leadership in ASEAN‟s MICE industry in a sustainable way,"

cited Mr Akapol, in conclusion.

Source: www.tceb.or.th

TCEB turns to Oceania, Asia markets

01-02-2012

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is planning to penetrate the Asia

and Oceania markets this year to offset the slowdown of MICE (meetings,

incentives, conventions and exhibitions) travellers as a result of the European

debt crisis and the economic woes in the United States.

"The financial problems in those areas are the biggest concern for the MICE

industry this year," TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said yesterday.

"However, we will continue to promote the 'Year of MICE' campaign

aggressively, particularly focusing on regional markets."

Akapol said the agency would join 10 international trade fairs this year in

Japan, Australia, China, Germany, the US, South Korea and Spain. It will

conduct roadshows in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, Russia, Britain,

Germany, China and Asean countries including Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and

Burma.

The TCEB is also helping to drive growth in the domestic MICE market and

supporting activities under the "MICE City" campaign.

The bureau will support a number of domestic events, including Hat Yai Book

Week, the seventh December Flora Fair, Pattaya |Food and Hotelier Expo 2012

and Pattaya International Livestock Show 2012.

It will use key international events that have already been confirmed

throughout the year to restore confidence in Thailand among overseas business

travellers. Those events include Amway China (18,000 delegates), Hindustan

Unilever (1,700 delegates), the 2012 Rotary International Convention (30,000

delegates), Million Dollar Round Table (5,000 delegates), Asian Pacific Digestive

Week (3,000 delegates), the 15th International Congress on Infectious

Diseases (3,000 delegates), and the World Tunnel Congress (2,200 delegates).

Akapol added that though Thailand would host big events like the Rotary

International Convention, MICE earnings this year would grow only slightly over

2011. This is a result of the impact of the recent massive floods as well as the

European sovereign debt crisis, the economic slowdown in the US, and inflation

in China.

However, the country expects to welcome 750,000 international MICE visitors

with Bt60.1 billion in receipts as well as 1.9 million local MICE travellers with

Bt10 million in revenue.

According to this target, average spending per head for international business

travellers will be about Bt80,160 per trip.

The TCEB also projects seeing more than a million international MICE visitors

with Bt87.3 billion in receipts within five years.