Chiangmai exhibition & convention centre targets early-2012 opening

Initiated in June 1996, construction of the facility was to have begun in 2006 but was delayed due to technical and bidding glitches. Works began this year, with a budget of 1.8 billion baht (US$60 million).

However, the project's developer, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will require another 500 million baht for interior works. An additional one billion baht may be required for surrounding infrastructure unless the ministry is able to secure investment from responsible authorities for electricity, water and road systems.

News surrounding the centre's scheduled opening has already drawn a lot of interest, according to Vorapong Muchaotai, secretary-general of the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association. "We have been getting a lot of enquiries about Chiang Mai's offers in terms of products and services for the (MICE) market," he said.

The centre will feature 10,000m2 of exhibition space, a large convention hall and three medium-sized meeting rooms, among other facilities. It will be managed by either the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or a private sector company.

(Sources: Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok, TTGAsia)