The Government is ready to push for further growth of the “meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions,” or MICE, industry, as it believes that MICE-related businesses will help stimulate and strengthen the Thai economy.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke quoted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as saying that the MICE industry was considered a major factor to encourage travel, spending, and distribution of income to local communities and various business sectors.

The Prime Minister also instructed all relevant agencies to give a boost to the MICE industry and to make greater efforts to develop Thailand into a MICE destination, with the organizing of activities at the international level.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), or TCEB, stated that the development of the Thai MICE industry has earned the country international recognition as a leading destination for business events in the region. This reputation is proven by a strong track record of Thailand hosting a series of successful international events, resulting in the MICE industry being a national economic driver.

According to TCEB, in the first three quarters of the 2024 fiscal year (October 2023 – June 2024), Thailand welcomed a total of 18 million MICE travelers, generating 109,669 million baht in revenue. Out of these MICE travelers, 894,584 were international travelers, generating 52,980 million baht, while 17 million were domestic travelers generating 56,689 million baht. It is estimated that by the end of the 2024 fiscal year, TCEB will achieve the target of 23 million MICE travelers and 136,000 million baht in revenue.

During the last quarter of the 2024 fiscal year, Thailand will be hosting several key events. The 27th IUPAC International Conference on Chemistry Education will take place in Pattaya between 15 and 19 July. The Bangkok International Digital Content Festival 2024, Thailand’s largest digital content festival, will be held on 5-8 August. The Thailand International LGBTQ + Film and TV Festival 2024, an event aiming to celebrate sexual diversity and equality in society through artwork in the film industry, will take place in Bangkok from 20 to 24 September.

To boost overseas markets, TCEB is scheduled to hold overseas roadshows in three key markets, namely India (Kolkata and Mumbai) at the end of July, China (Shanghai and Guangzhou) in August, and Indonesia (Jakarta) in September.