Mice Affairs Media Group, News Bureau, 18 Feb 2022
Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand
Convention & Exhibition Bureau or TCEB said as the chairman of the event,
“Having this first Thailand International Air Show will open a new dimension in
many aspects, such as promoting Thailand as an exhibition center, and aerospace
trade. It is a large-scale international event from the initiative of TCEB and
is the driving force of Thailand's high-technology industry to the global
market. In addition, this event promotes Thailand as one of the world's leading
manufacturers and exporters of aircraft parts. According to the information
from the BOI, in 2018, Thailand exported aircraft parts and equipment as much
as USD$3.18 billion or around a hundred trillion baht. Entrepreneurs in the
aforementioned industries will have the opportunity to participate in the
development of the world's aerospace industry to their fullest potential”
Ms.Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President at Thailand Convention
& Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said “TCEB is not only the main organization in
driving the MICE industry as a tool to develop the country's economy through
innovation to create prosperity and distributed income to all sectors in a
sustainable way, we also have a role as a National Bidder, bringing world-class
events to be organized in Thailand to create a positive impact on the social,
economic and ecological sectors of the conference trade show and international
festivals from the Thailand 4.0 policy. The policy focuses on innovation-driven
economy and the 20-year national strategic plan that aims to promote 12 SCurve
industries, especially 5 new target industries (Focused Industries), in which
the aviation industry and logistics (Aviation & Logistics) is one of them.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has a policy to develop U-Tapao
International Airport and the Eastern Aviation City in the EEC area to elevate
Thailand into the hub of ASEAN aviation industry. TCEB has initiated and pushed
forward the "Thailand International Air Show" event to occur in
Thailand under the concept of Future of Aerospace, which presents a position
that emphasizes innovation in the future (Innovation Technology) to reflect the
image of Thailand 4.0 in all sectors, whether civil, commercial or security
forces.”
The idea and concept of bringing this world-class trade show to
Thailand can be traced back to 2017 when TCEB responded to the industry 4.0
policy, and in 2018, Thailand by TCEB began studying data on air show events.
In order to assess the feasibility of bringing the Air show to Thailand in
2019, TCEB has started to study the feasibility of the project, including
various cooperation models to set up a framework for cooperation in organizing
aviation trade shows. Moreover, public hearing activities and meetings with
relevant agencies were organized. At present, TCEB recommended Thailand to be
the host of the event by inviting relevant agencies such as the Eastern
Economic Corridor Policy Office (EECO), U-Tapao International Aviation Company
Limited (UTA), the Royal Thai Navy (RTP), and Pattaya City. Moreover, TCEB aims
to elevate the aviation and logistic industries of Thailand and to prepare the
entrepreneurs in MICE industry in the area to support “Thailand International
Air Show” through “Road to Air Show” project. TCEB has initiated a trade fair
and MICE industry conference under the name "Aviation & LOG-IN
Week", which is a combination of shows, conferences, and mega events to
increase the opportunity to participate and to add value to the business or
industry and help to stimulate the positive impetus. TCEB anticipates that from
2023 to 2027, there will be a total of 28 new and continuous events in the EEC
area as part of the project "Aviation & LOG- IN Week," with the
Thailand International Air Show generating a positive economic impact to
Thailand of over 8 billion baht during that time period.
Mr.Chokchai Panyayong, Special Advisor of EEC, mentioned about
this cooperation, “The EEC is a government agency that intends to promote
investment, enhances innovation and develops advanced technology in Thailand.
The agency is responsible for facilitating business dealings in the Eastern
Economic Corridor (EEC) area. EEC is pleased and appreciates the idea of the
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB that
wants to push for an aviation trade show and world-class logistics in Thailand,
which will promote the development of technology, products, services and labor,
as well as increase the competitiveness of the Thai aviation industry as well
as related industries in various fields to advance and be equal to
international standards. In addition, this project is in line with the U-Tapao
Airport Development Policy and the Eastern Aviation City in the EEC area to
elevate Thailand into the hub of ASEAN's aviation industry.” "Because
Thailand is unique in its geographical location and cultural attractions in
each region, Thailand remains one of the most popular tourist destinations
worldwide. In 2019, Thailand's six major airports can accommodate more than 140
million passengers per year, with up to 450,000 flights per year across the
world. The country as a whole has a high demand for airplane maintenance
services. The value exceeds 36,500 million baht, and the Civil Aviation
Authority of Thailand has registered 679 aircrafts in the country.”
"In response to the government's strategy to boost the
aviation sector and logistics in accordance with the national development plan,
EEC has driven Thailand's development to increase its potential to become a
fully-integrated aviation hub. As a result, one of the country's major
infrastructure projects is the building of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern
Aviation City. Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Part Manufacturing, and
other associated components will be incorporated within the area to establish
the groundwork for the development of a comprehensive aviation sector. The
Thailand International Air Show event will be a stepping stone to declare
Thailand's aviation industry's immense potential to be more than a tourism
destination, but also an Aviation Hub or a one-stop service for the aviation
businesses."
Mr. Sontaya Kunplome, Pattaya Mayor, elaborated on being as a
host city, "The Thailand International Air Show is a great response to NEO
Pattaya's strategy in order to push Pattaya to be a Smart City, the center of
economy, investment, and transportation in the Eastern region." "The
planning for this event is in line with Pattaya City's goal of becoming a Smart
City." U-Tapao International Airport will be another significant Thai
airport that will meet the new normallifestyle in terms of tourism, business,
and housing. Pattaya City's new age, like that of other world-class
international cities, will be enhanced by Digital Transformation technology,
providing greater convenience for residents, businesspeople, and tourists.
Pattaya stands out as the focal point of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
development projects via numerous digital platforms. This effort will be able
to build and improve the economy not only in Pattaya City, but also at the
national level, distributing revenue to the people, including diverse entrepreneurs."
"Pattaya City is proud to be Thailand's representative city
for hosting world-class events such as the Thailand International Air
Show."
All participating parties believe the "Thailand
International Air Show" will contribute to the development and progress of
Thailand's community, society, commerce, industry, and economy. It will also
proudly promote Thailand's reputation as an ASEAN aviation hub.