TAT puts back launch date of conference and exhibition unit

BANGKOK The planned launch of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been delayed until August this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TCEB was understood to have been approved in November 2001 and was set to be opened in the first quarter of 2002 with a budget of US$4.5 million. The later launch date has led to speculation the delay is the result of disruption at the TAT due to a ongoing investigation into alleged corruption by TAT governor Mr Pradech Phayakvichien. However, the TAT has denied the claim, saying the TCEB project is still being processed at a government level. "The disruption at the TAT has not affected the progress of the convention and exhibition bureau," TAT director international convention division Mr Udom Metatamrongsiri said. "It is going through government processes to approve it. We are involved in many stages of recruitment and in finding a location for it. We hope it will open in August 2002." Thailand's private sector is not perturbed by the delay. Central Hotels and Resorts vice-president sales and marketing, Mr Bob James said: "If it takes a few extra months to plan it and have the right people in place it is worth it so that it is launched in spectacular style because we are up against some very tough competition. "A few more months is not the end of the world and we look forward to receiving formal details of the launch and of who will head it."