told CMW that Thailand has “ strong and successful medical associations that have good relations with academic networks .”

Wild Blue recently organised the Bangkok located World Aesthetic Surgery - Medicine , Anti-Aging and Alternative Medicine conference , 25-27 March 2022 , that welcomed 700 onsite delegates .

Ninsanondh believes that many of Thailand ’ s hotels and venues are branded or chain hotels with rigorous international standards , critical for attracting events with high medical infrastructural expectations .

However , TCEB is also aligning its strategy with the wider governmental policies to modernise the economy . The ‘ Eastern Economic Corridor ’ ( ECC ) is a government policy aiming to transform Thailand into a 4.0 economy through investment in 12 automated and technology focused industries ( robotics , digital , advanced agriculture , etc …) along the country ’ s eastern seaboard ( Chonburi , Rayong , and Chachoengsao ).

This investment includes the upgrading of MICE infrastructure in the region to support business events for these targeted sectors . TCEB is working in tandem with these national policies ,

seen through the outlined Winnovation strategy , striving to reap their reciprocal benefits for the MICE industry .

As the economy gets stronger in these specific fields , it will provide more advanced infrastructure to produce quality and supported business events , as seen currently in the medical sector .

Going global Before Covid-19 , the majority of Thailand ’ s MICE source markets were from the Asian region , yet it ’ s now looking to expand its geographic reach .

In 2021 , Bloomberg rated Thailand first on its emerging markets list , highlighting Thailand ’ s initial success in seizing the post-pandemic moment . Yoswee believes “ the Covid-19 recovery should be an opportunity for Thailand to welcome more delegates and visitors from European and American countries .”

Being geographically situated close to Asia ’ s largest economic global hubs , such as Singapore and Hong Kong , Thailand has the capacity to connect with new world markets .

There is no better place to see this global potential than in Thailand ’ s capital , Bangkok , a global city that provides organisers with ample

Above : Wat Po Temple Below : Oliver Thomas ( left ) Nichapa Yoswee ( right )

opportunities for events and incentive experiences .

The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( BITEC ) and the Queen Sirikit Nation Convention Centre ( QSNCC ) are both over 65,000sqm spaces that deliver world class facilities to conference and convention organisers .

For medium to small scale events , Bangkok has a host of premium hotel brands such as the Millennium Hilton Bangkok , SO / Bangkok and Marriott Marquis Queen ’ s Park that offer venues across the CBD and the much sought-after shores of the Chao Phraya River .

This MICE infrastructure is matched by Bangkok ’ s cultural offerings . From the Wat Po temple with its ‘ Reclining Buddha ’, to exploring the city ’ s streets in a tuk tuk or sipping on a cocktail in one of the city ’ s many rooftop bars , event attendees are provided with ample unique experiences .

During the Thailand MICE briefing , 29 March , TCEB shared a Turkish proverb with the international events community : “ No road is too long with good company .” It is clear that Thailand is now embarking on that road to progress . Global company is what they seek .