thailand-pavilion-expo-2020-dubai
The pavilion will be exhibiting tech progress while staying true to the core of ‘Thai DNA’, or the hospitality and approachability that Thais are so well known for. Image Credit: Supplied

Dubai: A country known for its pristine beaches, ancient temples and delicious food, Thailand is ready to showcase its offerings to the world at Expo 2020 Dubai this year.

The Thailand Pavilion, with a facade draped with more than 500 artificial ‘dok rak’ crown flowers – another country speciality that is also considered a symbol of luck – is also bringing state-of-the-art tech to the show.

Here’s what you need to know about the pavilion, located in the Mobility District, ahead of its opening on October 1, 2021.

What is the significance of ‘dok rak’ flowers?
The crown flowers that are on the Thailand pavilion represent luck, new opportunities, new markets and innovation.

Theme of the pavilion

The more than 3,600-square-metre pavilion’s theme is ‘Mobility for the future’. It will focus on the country’s new economic model, also known as Thailand 4.0, a 20-year strategic plan that aims to revilatise sectors using creativity, innovation and new technology.

What is Thailand 4.0?
Thailand's new economic strategy was official announced in 2018; it is a 20-year plan that focuses on 'security, wealth and sustainability'. Aviation and aerospace are among ten Thailand 4.0 industries the government is investing in. The others are next-generation automotive, intelligent electronics, advanced agriculture and biotechnology, food processing, tourism, digital, robotics, logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, and medical, explains a post by the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington.

The pavilion will therefore be exhibiting tech progress while staying true to the core of ‘Thai DNA’, or the hospitality and approachability that Thais are so well known for.

Architecture of the pavilion

The floral curtain on the facade of the pavilion will change hues, creating varying designs, while the roof – angled in traditional Thai style – will pay homage to the architecture native to the country.

The 'luck flowers' that adorn the exterior are placed in a pattern of criss-crossed links that signify mobility and connectivity.

Gold, a colour ubiquitous in Thai architecture and that represents a prosperous land, will be seen on the exteriors of the pavilion as well.

But the construct is not just about good looks – it is an environmentally sound project that aims to leave behind minimal carbon footprint. The materials used for construction have all been locally sourced. Moreover, recycled concrete, steel and aluminium have been used in its building.

Besides this, the pavilion is painted in natural shades leading to lower energy consumption. Even the floral mesh plays a part in heat insulation and will help in maintaining a cosy temperature.

Meet the mascots

The Thailand Pavilion has two official mascots: Mali and Rak, who represent Thai hospitality.

Meet the official mascots – Rak and Mali – when you visit the Thai Pavilion in October. YouTube/@Expo2020DubaiThailand

What can I do at the pavilion?

There's a lot to experience at the Thailand Pavilion. Here's a look at some highlights:

  • The food: Sample authentic Thai cuisine such as Pad Thai (fried noodles) at the pavilion.
  • Take home a souvenir: An on-site gifts and souvenir shop promises treats.
  • See a work of art: An art feature titled ‘The Miracle of Smiles’ will be on display.
  • Experience: A 360-adventure using virtual reality (VR) gear for an immersive tour of Thailand.
  • Flowers and more: Visitors will be able to share flower engravings in the pavilion’s garden.

Expo 2020 Dubai, a six-month mega-event, will run from October 01, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

-The writer is an intern with Gulf News.