As Thailand gears up for its participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, the nation is making significant strides in showcasing its strengths on a global stage. The Thailand Pavilion, with a budget exceeding 1 billion baht, is set to highlight the country’s capabilities in health and wellness, aiming to attract international visitors and investors alike.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the Prime Minister's policies, emphasizing the importance of Thailand's participation in the World Expo. He stated, "As long as we are part of the coalition government, we will support the Prime Minister's policies." This reflects a unified front among the ruling coalition as they prepare for this international event.
Concerns were raised by Chaichan Chidchob, a member of parliament from Buriram and secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party, regarding the selection of national representatives for the Expo. He stressed that the selection process should be approached with caution and not based on favoritism, saying, "This isn't a regional football competition. We need to choose our representatives thoughtfully." His comments underline the importance of representing Thailand effectively on the world stage.
On April 23, a committee will be established to oversee the exhibition for six months, as mentioned by Naphaporn Premshakdi, advisor to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. She expressed her desire for the committee's work to be substantial and not merely a formality, stating, "We must ensure that Thailand will not lose to any nation." This sentiment reflects a determination to present Thailand's best face at the Expo.
The Thailand Pavilion project is managed by the Bureau of Trade Fairs, under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health. The pavilion will be located in Zone A13, Connecting Lives, and is designed to showcase seven key strengths of the country, including its renowned tourist destinations, world-class healthcare facilities, and the expertise of its medical professionals.
The pavilion’s theme, "Phumi Phiman Din Daen Haeng Phumi Khumkan" (Land of Immunity), aims to position Thailand as a global health and wellness hub. It is part of a broader initiative to promote Thailand's culture, food, and health innovations, aligning with the Expo's main theme of "Future Society for Our Lives."
According to Pattarakorn Lewsomboon, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of Trade Fairs, the pavilion's construction is designed to reflect Thailand's unique identity and culture. The overall budget for the project from 2023 to 2026 is set at 973.48 million baht, with allocations for preparation, construction, and management of the exhibition.
The budget distribution includes 89.64 million baht in 2023, 331.31 million baht in 2024, 507.61 million baht in 2025, and 44.91 million baht in 2026. This financial planning demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a successful presentation at the Expo.
During the initial days of the Expo, from May 13 to 15, 2025, the pavilion attracted 18,076 visitors, with expectations of around 3 million visitors over the six-month duration of the event, accounting for approximately 10% of the total attendees. This level of interest signifies a strong engagement with the international community.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Dr. Anchalin Phannaphiphat, Chairwoman of TQM Alpha Public Company Limited, expressed disappointment after visiting the Thailand Pavilion. She noted that while the Expo's main theme focuses on the future, the content presented by Thailand leaned heavily on historical aspects, nature, food, and healthcare, which she felt contradicted the Expo's objectives. She urged the responsible agencies to consider making improvements to enhance the pavilion's appeal and relevance.
Despite these critiques, the Ministry of Public Health remains optimistic about the pavilion's potential to attract investment and promote Thailand as a center for medical tourism. The pavilion will feature various activities, including demonstrations of traditional Thai massage, which has been recognized by UNESCO. These activities aim to showcase the value of Thai wellness practices and their role in the country's healthcare offerings.
As Thailand prepares for the World Expo 2025, the government's emphasis on careful planning and representation reflects a broader strategy to elevate the nation's status on the global stage. The collaboration between public and private sectors in managing the Thailand Pavilion underscores a commitment to presenting a cohesive and compelling narrative about Thailand's strengths.
In conclusion, the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 is not just an exhibition; it is a representation of the country's aspirations and capabilities. As visitors from around the world converge on Osaka, Thailand aims to leave a lasting impression, one that highlights its unique culture, advanced healthcare system, and commitment to wellness. The coming months will be crucial in refining the pavilion's offerings and ensuring that Thailand's voice is heard loud and clear at this prestigious international event.
