Construction on the centre was originally
scheduled to begin in 2004. However, most of
the sites so far tagged for the convention centre had been proposed by local officials or developers and not planning experts, said Tourism Council chairman Vichit Na Ranong.
He said: "I understand the government wants to
conclude the plan for the project and make it an
important destination for meetings and exhibitions
in southern Thailand."
However, he added that it was crucial to get the
input of local residents on the decision.
The three sites that have so far been considered are Mai Khao Beach, Nai Yang Beach and Saphan Hin.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand reportedly
favoured Saphan Hin because of its lower construction cost — about US$80 million — and its
location, only 30 minutes by car from the top hotels
in the area.
Pressure has mounted on officials to revive the
Phuket project following approval of a similar
centre in the northern capital of Chiang Mai late
Phuket centre faces new planning delay
PHUKET The long-awaited Phuket Convention Centre has hit another roadblock as the Tourism Council of Thailand called for a panel of experts to be brought in to assess more sites on the resort island for the facility.
