Bangkok – The ADFEST Working Committee announced the postponement of ADFEST–slated for March 18-20, 2010 in Pattaya, Thailand–to a yet unspecified date in May 2010.
Thailand is facing a volatile political situation, which could affect visitors to the country, because of the possibility of planned political rallies, by former PM Thaksin’s supporters, to be held just prior to ADFEST dates. In anticipation of a citywide breakdown in Bangkok like last year’s, many governments have warned their citizens to avoid traveling to Thailand.
In an email to delegates and media, ADFEST’s Chairman of the Working Committee Vinit Suraphongchai wrote, "Rather than pushing ahead and disregarding the situation, we think a better solution is to wait for the issue to resolve itself, as we are keenly aware that it may be of serious concern to many of you who will be travelling away from home."
It is major setback for the ADFEST, which has strived to maintain its footing after Spikes Asia’s successful run last September 2009. Many observers conjectured that given the economic uncertainties, Asia’s ad and marketing industry could sustain only one annual advertising festival.
