PHUKET is preparing to make a bid for World Expo 2020 . . . but it may have to join with Phang Nga to do it. All that's needed is a spare 1000 or 1500 rai.

''It's a very good chance to come Phuket's way,'' Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob said at the planning meeting at Provincial Hall in Phuket City.

The Interior Ministry is seeking expressions of interest around Thailand.

Phuket only has 600 rai of public land to spare. But Phuket by 2020 should have the sport and conference centre, and the major expansion of Phuket International Airport complete to handle 12 million arrivals and departures a year.

Phuket and Phang Nga combined have all the requirements, with an airport and plenty of four-star and five-star accommodation.

The key would be to pool all the public land that Phuket currently has to spare around the Tatchatchai Checkpoint at the north of the island, and then make a link to other parts of the expo on land across the Sarasin Bridge (or its replacement) in Phang Nga.

The next step: the concept has to be enlarged and formalised, with Phang Nga's agreement. Krabi is expected to also be asked to become involved because it comes within the distance range allowable for events and exhibitions.

Phuket Tourist Association president Somboon Jirayut said: ''This event is as big as the World Cup in football or the Olympic Games. It would be great for Phuket. Tourism to Phuket would help to boost the whole country.''

Shanghai's World Expo is currently underway in China, with exhibitions by more than 100 countries. It is expected the fair will receive 70 million people in total over six months.