Government justifies Thai Pavilion expenses
Thai Health Ministry Defends 900 Million Baht Expo 2025 Thailand Pavilion Spending
Amidst mounting criticism, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health defends the 900 million baht budget for the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The exhibition, under the Expo's theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," features key health and well-being issues.
In a recent press conference, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the ministry's permanent secretary, addressed the controversy surrounding the project's budget. He justified the spending, stating that the cabinet assigned the Public Health Ministry to organize the event with a budget of 900 million baht.
The Thailand Pavilion has been visited by an average of 10,000 people daily, according to Dr. Opas. However, critics, like Unchalin Punnipa, president of TQM Alpha Plc, question the meticulousness of the budget evaluation. Some visitors voice concerns, labeling the exhibition as less sophisticated than expected and more akin to a school project.
Criticism towards the project extends beyond the budget, as some question the alignment of the exhibition's content with the Expo's theme. Visitors point out the heavy emphasis on historical and cultural elements rather than future-oriented innovations.
Amidst the controversy, claims of a potential conflict of interest emerged. Allegations suggest early involvement of Right Man Co., Ltd., a company linked to the winning RMA 110 consortium, in the pavilion's conceptualization. Additionally, a company associated with the project reportedly ceased operations in early 2024, prompting further scrutiny.
Despite the criticism, the Ministry of Public Health maintains regulatory compliance and acknowledges the need for content improvements. They remain committed to showcasing Thailand's strengths in health promotion and supporting broader economic goals such as traditional massage.
- While the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 has faced criticism for its budget of 900 million baht, it is designed to exhibit key health and well-being issues, as emphasized by the Thai Health Ministry.
- Critics, such as Unchalin Punnipa from TQM Alpha Plc, question the effectiveness of the budget evaluation, with some visitors labeling the exhibition as less sophisticated than anticipated.
- The controversy surrounding the Thailand Pavilion extends beyond its budget, as some question the alignment of the exhibition's content with the Expo's theme, particularly the heavy reliance on historical and cultural elements.
4.Claims of a potential conflict of interest have emerged, suggesting early involvement of Right Man Co., Ltd., a company linked to the winning RMA 110 consortium, in the pavilion’s conceptualization.
- In the general-news, the Thai Health Ministry continues to address the controversy, maintaining regulatory compliance, and committing to content improvements, while highlighting Thailand's strengths in health promotion and the broader business and finance industries.
