Convention center decision closer

PHUKET: The site of the island’s proposed international convention and exhibition center (CEC) remains undecided but a verdict is one step closer. Napasorn Kakai, Assistant Director of the local Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office, told reporters that a sub-committee led by businessman Wichit Na Ranong has carefully examined the proposed sites and voted on each. Their opinions have been sent to the TAT and will be forwarded to Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who will make the final decision. The proposed sites are: land near the Sirinath National Park in Mai Khao; land in Phuket Town where the Provincial Mineral Resources Office is currently located; a site currently used for animal farming in Khao Kard in Ao Makham; and the public park at Saphan Hin. K.Napasorn said that the budget of 800 million baht set by the government might not be enough. Maintenance and equipment costs would probably have to be sought from private sector investment. She also said that the CEC should be managed by the private sector, possibly with local input.