Show goes on in Bangkok

Over 1.6 million people are expected to attend the 30th Bangkok International Motor Show which will feature 130 participating companies from 11 countries.

Often referred to as the biggest and best motor show in the region after the Tokyo Motor Show, the Bangkok International Motor Show kicks off tomorrow and will be open to the public from March 26 to April 6.

The event will feature the latest concept and production cars and motorcycles. Various car clubs will also be displaying their best models, while other activities include rallies and off-road competitions, tuning car contests and car audio shows.

The Bangkok International Motor Show is a brainchild of motorsports organizer Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow. The first BIMS was held at the Lumpini Park in Central Bangkok in 1979. Its success and popularity eventually called for a larger venue - the Amphon Gardens - which came to be the motorshow's home from 1980 to 1997.

The need for a new location brought the Bangkok International Motor Show to the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, which has been its venue since 1998.