Phuket has set a clear and ambitious long-term vision to become an international standard hub for sustainable development in tourism, education, and service provision. The city’s comprehensive development strategy focuses on four key directions:
These directions have been meticulously incorporated into every aspect of the Expo planning and execution, from the initial master plan design to the implementation process. The goal is to ensure that the Expo fully embodies Phuket’s commitment to elevating living standards, reducing income inequality, fostering sustainable living in harmony with nature, and sharing prosperity with the local community. By embracing these principles, Phuket paves the way for a brighter future and sets the stage for the “future of life” for generations to come. Experience the transformative power of Phuket’s vision at the Expo, where sustainable development takes center stage.
Phuket, The Pearl of Andaman Sea, proudly stands as the most cosmopolitan city among Thailand’s southern provinces. Renowned within the global tourism and heritage community, Phuket Province has garnered prestigious accolades that reflect its exceptional allure and appeal. These acclaimed world-class recognitions include:
Phuket’s exceptional reputation was further cemented in 2021 when it was voted as a winner in the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of Best Awards.
With its unparalleled acclaim, Phuket rightfully claims its status as the Capital of Southern Thailand—a city and province that fills every Thai heart with pride.
Phuket, along with five neighbouring provinces along the coast of Andaman Sea - Ranong, Phang-nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun - is being developed by the Thai Government as a prominent hub for world-class wellness and medical tourism.
The forthcoming EXPO will play a significant role in realizing this vision by facilitating the exchange of health and wellness knowledge, showcasing advancements in traditional medicine and cutting-edge medical technologies from both Eastern and Western practices, and promoting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for the broader population.
Phuket’s reputation as a premier destination for medical tourism will be reinforced by its diverse and high-quality service providers. These include private hospitals that are certified by the Joint Commission Standard for exceptional patient care and organizational management, renowned plastic surgery facilities, holistic anti-aging centers, and luxurious wellness spas and golf courses. Many of Phuket and neighboring provinces’s five-star hotels boast their own spas and wellness centers, offering comprehensive programs ranging from healthy eating and detoxification to weight control and mental well-being. Visitors can also engage in popular activities such as Muay Thai (traditional Thai Boxing) and yoga, further enhancing their wellness experience in Phuket.
Phuket, widely known for its pristine beaches and upscale resorts, also shines brightly with its rich cultural tapestry. One captivating facet of Phuket’s multicultural blend is the Baba Yaya(Phuket Baba), the colloquial term used to describe the island’s Peranakan Chinese heritage. Originating from enterprising Hokkien Chinese laborers and merchants who migrated to the Malay Peninsula centuries ago, Phuket’s Peranakan community proudly preserves a unique cultural identity that seamlessly weaves together Chinese, Thai, and European influences. This vibrant blend of traditions is evident in captivating Phuket’s architecture, traditional attire, customs, and cuisine, showcasing the spirited zest for life embraced by the Peranakan people.
The Peranakan’s deep-rooted heritage and ever-evolving identity exemplify the magic that transpires when diverse individuals converge to form a thriving community. Phuket stands as an inspiring testament to the power of cultural diversity, where meaningful connections between different cultures flourish. With its cultural richness and harmonious coexistence, Phuket encapsulates the essence of “he true harmonious living”, celebrating and cherishing the values of cultural diversity and fostering a collective sense of identity.
Phuket’s rich multicultural essence finds its vibrant expression in the diverse and exquisite realm of its cuisine. The gastronomic landscape of Phuket encompasses a remarkable fusion of Thai, Chinese-Thai, Malay, Indian, and European flavors and culinary techniques, embodying the traditions and influences of its diverse inhabitants. This unique culinary tradition serves as a compelling soft power, propelling Phuket to attain global recognition, most notably through its inclusion as one of the esteemed UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in 2015.
With an abundance of local resources, a culinary melting pot, and an unwavering spirit of innovation, Phuket’s passionate food and beverage industry continually pushes the boundaries, presenting an array of distinctively Phuket delicacies that captivate the senses and garner worldwide admiration.
Hence, at Phuket EXPO, visitors and participants will have the delightful opportunity not only to indulge in Phuket’s culinary treasures but also to explore new avenues that promote well-being and holistic wellness. Just as Phuket pledged in its motto as Southeast Asia’s inaugural Creative City of Gastronomy bestowed by UNESCO, the event will offer a tantalizing blend of Phuket’s gastronomic delights, embodying the principles of Good Food, Good Health, and Good Spirit…in Phuket.
As one of Thailand’s top destinations for domestic and international tourism, Phuket has built up a large inventory of hotels, guesthouses, holiday resorts, and other types of lodging options to cater to the millions of visitors it receives each year. In 2022, 1,866 registered accommodation in Phuket are in operation, which offer 92,667 rooms within Phuket province.
Visitors to Phuket EXPO will be able to consider hotels near the EXPO site or in nearby provinces within no longer then 3 hours’ drive from Phuket. Neighbouring provinces, such as Phang-nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Muang District), are among Thailand’s top destinations for high-end tourism and offer another reserve of quality accommodation across all price points. These three provinces offer an additional 1,022 hotels and 41,627 rooms.
Phuket is prepared for the large influx of visitors due to the forthcoming Expo. For EXPO participants and officials, they can be easily accommodated at the On-site and Off-site Expo Village.
In summary, with a total of 134,294 rooms in Phuket and neighbouring provinces (92,667 in Phuket alone), EXPO visitors will be assured of a comfortable stay.
Phuket boasts a robust transportation infrastructure and extensive domestic connectivity, making it well-equipped to accommodate the multitude of visitors expected at Phuket EXPO 2028. Phuket International Airport serves as a hub for domestic, international, commercial, and private flights, providing seamless travel options. With direct connections to 63 cities across 19 countries through 52 renowned airlines, Phuket International Airport ranks as Thailand’s third busiest, trailing only Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports. In 2019, the airport witnessed a staggering 18.11 million arrivals and departures, highlighting its significance. During peak hours, Phuket International Airport efficiently handles up to 7,200 individuals per hour, ensuring the smooth transit of 2,400 domestic travelers and 4,800 international travelers respectively.
