Another update on situation in Bangkok

Bangkok's major exhibition and convention venues have reported all local and international trade fairs and conferences are being staged on schedule despite the state of emergency declared by the government.

Sources at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) said the centre had received an urgent enquiry from the UN to use the facility for today’s meeting, originally to be held at the UN Building in Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, near the Government House which anti-government protesters have seized and have been camping out for almost two weeks.

The UN meeting has resulted in QSNCC being busier than usual as the centre is at the same time also the venue for two other fairs, the 13th Discovery Thailand and Discovery World 2008 (from September 4 to 7) and the 4th Health Cuisine and Beauty Festival (from September 3 to 7).

The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) has confirmed all local and international shows are on track. Business development director, Mr Sarnit Karunyavanij, said there was no postponement or cancellation except for some queries from overseas partners about Bangkok’s political situation.

He said Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion had confirmed the annual Furniture Show from September 6 to 14 and Bangkok International Logistics Fair September 11 to 14 were to be held as scheduled.

IMPACT Muang Thong Thani has also confirmed all exhibition events and consumer shows scheduled at the venue remain on the calendar, with the ITU Telecom Asia 2008, held from September 2, concluding today.

Meanwhile, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has reassured organisers, planners and delegates of business events in Thailand in one of its statements: “Normal businesses continue to be unaffected. The gatherings for corporate meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions can be conducted as usual.”