Thailand’s new PM says he will consider reviving a proposal to build an international exhibition and convention centre in Phuket. Like the plans for a Patong Tunnel, new Airport to Kathu expressway, wellness zone in the north of the island, and light rail service, the project is revived from time to time.
The Bangkok Post reports that Srettha Thavisin listened to a number of suggestions from tourism stakeholders during his visit to the island and neighbouring Phang Nga over the weekend. He was accompanied by a number of Pheu Thai Party members.
The president of the Phuket Tourist Association says the Pheu Thai tourism committee seems committed to reviving the international convention centre proposal at Mai Khao Beach, in the north of the island.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij adds that the construction of an international health and wellness centre, managed by Vachira Phuket Hospital is going ahead, with a budget of just under 1.4 billion baht. However, when the island failed in its bid to host the Specialised Expo 2028, the idea of an international convention centre at the same site was dropped.
Thaneth says it’s up to the new government to decide if they want to revive the plan, pointing out that the convention centre would encompass a space of 10,000 square metres, with capacity for 5,000 visitors, thereby boosting the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector.
According to Thaneth, tourism operators are also asking the government to build the much-discussed Patong tunnel, as no private contractors seem interested in bidding for the project. He also mentioned a number of projects that have been shelved for years, such as a motorway linking the north and south of the island and a rail link between Surat Thani and Phang Nga and Phuket.
Meanwhile, Thaneth’s colleague, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, says a Pheu Thai working team is also considering a monorail project or electric buses for the island. He says that the more public transport options available, the quicker the island’s “taxi mafia” problem will disappear.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
