Sirima Eamtako,
TTG Asia
THE Thai cabinet yesterday appointed Ayutthaya as the
host city in the country’s bid to host the World Expo 2020.
The ancient Thai capital was chosen for its close
proximity to Bangkok and its planned mega-infrastructure development
compared to Chiang Mai and Chonburi, the other destinations shortlisted
during a feasibility study led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition
Bureau (TCEB) in August last year.
TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said Thailand would
submit its bidding proposal to the Bureau International des Expositions
(BIE) within six months.
Thailand will need to win votes from at least 80
countries out of a total of 157 to secure its host country status, said
Akapol.
Other countries in the running include Australia,
Brazil, China, Denmark, the UAE, the US and South Africa. The BIE will
announce the successful host country in 2014.