Phuket has lost its bid to host the Specialised Expo 2028 to Belgrade in Serbia, which received the most votes from the 124 member countries in Paris yesterday (Wednesday).
The vote was broadcast live to a store in Phuket, where it was watched by representatives of the private and government sectors in the province who were key players in the bid for Phuket to host the world-class event.
Each country participating in the bid was given 20 minutes to give the country’s presentation to the meeting in Paris. The four candidates were Malaga in Spain, San Carlos Parlilose in Argentina, Minnesota in the United States and Phuket.
Phuket’s presentation was called “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity.”
After the presentation, it was time for the 124 member countries to vote. San Carlos Parlilose was dropped in the first round, while Phuket was dropped in the second round, followed by Minnesota in the third. Belgrade won the bid in the fourth round of the voting.
After the vote, Phuket Deputy Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan said that Phuket had done its best, as he congratulated Belgrade for winning the bid.
Although Phuket has failed in its bid, he praised the joint efforts of all the stakeholders in Phuket which, he said, are indicative of a healthy sign that Phuket will continue to advance forward to become a health tourism hub in the future.
