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Thailand to exemplify a sustainable ways of living at Shanghai Expo

2010-02-22 15:14 BJT

Special Report: 2010 Shanghai Expo Countdown |

At the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Thai Pavilion will advertise the theme "Thai: Sustainable Ways of Living" to exemplify rich Thai styles.

The Thai Pavilion covers an area of 3117 square meters and includes three exhibition halls: the first one is called "Journey of Harmony" and features a centrally located waterfall, through which a huge electronic screen will display the colorful history of Thailand; the second one is called "Harmony of Different Tones," representing a combination of the economy and culture of Thailand and of the world; and the third hall is called the "Harmony of Thais" which exemplifies the mutual prosperity of all the ethnic groups and people from all walks of Thai life.

The Thai Pavilion

The Thai Pavilion

Currently, basic construction on the Thai Pavilion has been finished and the interior decoration and arrangement of the three exhibition halls is underway so a trial exhibition can be conducted in April of this year.

Thailand participated in the London International Exhibition for Industry and Art for the first time in 1862. In order to participate in 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Thai government specially appointed the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to take charge of its exhibition and the Commerce Department, Tourist Administration, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, as well as the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, to offer support, and a total of 599 million bahts (1 yuan is the equivalent of about 5 bahts) have been allocated towards the exhibition.

100 days before the official opening of the Shanghai World Expo, the Thai Pavilion of the "Shanghai Expo Online" will become the first virtual pavilion that the public can visit. Clicking the mouse, visitors can "walk" freely in the virtual Thai Pavilion, view the pavilion in 360-degrees from a fixed point, interact with the mascot and understand the Thai Pavilion's back story.

The mascot "Tai" will receive visitors from all countries with his joyous and kindly smile. The name Tai comes from Thai language, meaning "freedom" and "independence," and the mascot's design comes from the patron saints in front of the gate to the Thai Buddhist temples. Tai's green skin represents the affluent land of Thailand, his oval eyes are just like a window to the friendly and kind hearts of the Thai people, his natural and naïve smile is full of warmth and kindness and the long stick in his hand represents his miraculous power to create happiness and fulfill dreams. The lovely little giant will demonstrate the enthusiasm and hospitality of the Thai people with his refined, courteous, and cheerful smile.