Bangkok--24 Sep--DEP Bangkok is set to take center stage as Asia’s emerging marketplace for film, multi-media, television, music, digital content, and animation with the official launch of Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008, 24-28 September in the heart of the capital city. Organized by Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Export Promotion (DEP) in cooperation with government agencies and private organizations, Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008 will host 78 exhibitors with a total of 141 booths, serving as a new platform for international trade talks for the lucrative entertainment market. It is the first event in the country to bring every sector in entertainment industry under one roof to create an event with something for everyone: an entertainment trade show, industry seminars, innovative exhibitions, demonstrations of artistic talent, and business matchmaking services. The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Siripol Yodmuangcharoen said Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008 is the first event in the country to bring together television, animation, film, and music under the concept, “Thailand: The marketplace for entertainment business,” in the ministry’s effort to support Thai companies to compete in international markets. The event serves as a stage for local and foreign companies to conduct business and investment talks. Running alongside Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008 will be the Bangkok International Film Festival. Together the events are expected to stimulate interest among foreign companies to work with Thai companies and spur new investment. “Thailand is fully equipped with talented human resources, experience, technical advancement, and rich natural resources for location choices,” said Mr. Siripol. “Our local talent is second to none in creativity and skills such as in editing and sound recording. Importantly, we offer affordable production costs. Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008 will become a driver for trade and investment, making the country one of the most important entertainment market in Asia.” Mr. Rachane Potjanasuntorn, DEP Director-General, said 78 entertainment companies with 141 booths, including major players and best-known names in Thailand’s entertainment industry in the fields of music, film, television, animation, software industry, and multi-media, will showcase their best at Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008. Among them are WorkPoint, GMM Grammy, SIPA, Prommit Production. More than 20 foreign entertainment companies across the region will also join the event. The organizer has prepared wide-ranging highlights, stage activities, and seminars for trade visitors and general public, including: seminars on “Marketing Online Games and Animation” by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); “What Hollywood Wants from Thailand” by Warner Brothers; “Idol Creation in Asia” by GMM Grammy; and the introduction of new software called “I Love Library” by the Software Industry Promotion Agency. Stage shows will feature world-class performances by Joe-Louise Puppet, a mini-concert by Asia’s heartthrobs Golf & Mike, Indy music bands, and a “Japanese Pop Music Cover Dance Contest” by JETRO. Thailand Entertainment Expo 2008 will be held 24-28 September 2008 at the Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, Siam Paragon. Trade days are 24-25 September (10.00-18.00) and general public days are 26-28 September (10.00-20.00). For more information, surf to: www.thailandentertainmentexpo.com. For more information: (Thai Press) Jitsiri 081 4411510, Umari 081 812 4567, Kanok-orn 089 8164021, (Foreign Press) Paul 086-783-4180