MAI KHAO Convention Center Update
Recent public hearings and the presentation of three design schemes are the latest development for Phuket's long awaited Convention and Exhibition Center.
With an opening planned for 2014, the government has approved a budget of THB2.6 billion.
Currently the appointment of an architectural firm, and work on an EIA (environmental impact assessment) are being worked on simultaneously.
Initial plans for the ICEC (International Convention and Exhibition Center) called for the inclusion of a hotel has been included, but the tourism sector has criticized the scheme saying there is already a critical mass of properties on the island.
In Patong there are private sector plans for a Convention Hall as part of the 78 rai multi-hotel Fisherman Harbour development.