Thailand's participation in the World Expo, which will kick off in Dubai on Oct 1, will provide an economic boost and bolster investor confidence, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).
World Expo 2020, which lasts for six months, was previously scheduled to take place in October 2020 but was delayed by a year due to the pandemic.
Up to 192 countries will participate in the expo, which is held under the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", which encourages innovation and technology sharing and fosters cooperation from around the world towards building a sustainable future.
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), under the DES Ministry, serves as a key agency in handling the Thailand Pavilion and arranging activities at the site.
A third of the 15 million visitors expected to turn up at the expo are likely to visit the Thailand Pavilion and many of them may be interested in visiting Thailand, Depa indicated.
Speaking at a press briefing to provide an update on Thailand's readiness for the event, DES minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said the expo will provide an excellent platform for Thailand, not only to showcase the country's traditional charm but to reinforce confidence in Thailand's potential and readiness reflected through digital technology implementation, digital infrastructure development and public health systems.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president and chief executive of Depa, said his organisation has come across various challenges in managing this global event, ranging from budgeting to the impact of the pandemic, which caused the expo to be delayed by a year.
He said Depa has received great support from various parties, including digital and tech start-ups.
"The country's participation in this mega event is also expected to bring new opportunities towards revitalising the Thai economy, stimulating tourism, promoting international trade and investment, and sustaining good relations with member countries participating in the show," Mr Nuttapon said.
Interested people can visit expo2020dubaithailand.com to follow news and activities at the Thailand Pavilion. They can also search "expo2020dubaithailand" on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep updated with the event.
The Thailand Pavilion has four main exhibition halls, which showcase the country's technology and digital innovation development.
The pavilion, which is following the theme of "Mobility for the Future", tells stories about Thailand's creative advances in transportation, logistics, digital connectivity and personal mobility.
The first hall explores the history of Thailand's transport and its cultural connections, with replicas of the Royal Thai Barge "Suphannahong" and the Royal Chariot on display.
The second presents animated movies on Thailand's legacy as a land of rich agriculture and a hub for international trade for centuries.
The third hall explores how Thailand is moving towards a brighter tomorrow by developing advanced infrastructure and innovations in digital technology.
The fourth shows how people are at the centre of Thailand's mobility story with short films telling personal stories of foreigners who come to Thailand to travel, do business, and live.