Thailand recently moved up to 25th in the world for international conventions hosted, with Bangkok ranking 7th globally and 3rd in Asia Pacific, according to the 2024 ICCA rankings. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Ake
Long established as a meetings and incentives destination in Southeast Asia, Thailand is making significant strides in the international convention arena – driven by its rising rankings, expanding infrastructure, and strong collaboration between both government and private sectors.
According to the 2024 ICCA rankings, Thailand recently moved up to 25th in the world for international conventions hosted, 5th in Asia Pacific, and 1st in ASEAN. Bangkok itself now ranks 7th globally and 3rd in Asia Pacific.
Conventions on the rise
Speaking to M&C Asia at Thailand Innovative Meetings Exchange (TIME) 2025, Puripan Bunnag, acting president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), noted a “cycle of conventions coming back to Asia more and more”.
This growth is supported by Thailand’s global brand appeal and significant infrastructure additions, such as the revamped Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and the True Icon Hall. Landmark events like the ICCA Congress 2023, which drew over 1,000 attendees (a record for the Asia Pacific edition), have further reinforced global confidence.
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This rise reflects a strategic confluence of factors, including Thailand’s strong global branding, notable infrastructure addition such as the revamped Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and True Paragon opening, as well as international events such as ICCA Congress in 2023 hosted in Bangkok.
“In the past four to five years, Thailand and Bangkok have always made entry into the list of top-ranking destinations for travellers,” said Puripan. “It becomes a powerful incentive for people to attend events in Thailand.”
In 2024, Thailand welcomed 1.16 million international MICE visitors – a 42% increase over the previous year and nearly matching its pre-pandemic record of 1.2 million. These delegates generated 70 billion baht (US$2.2 billion) in revenue, up 17.3% year-on-year.
Looking ahead, TCEB has set ambitious goals for 2025: 1.3 million overseas MICE travellers and 78 billion baht in spending, with continued growth expected from regional markets such as India, China, South Korea, and Kazakhstan.
Expanding the MICE map
M&C Asia’s Shahreil Aziz and Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, together with TCEB’s Puripan Bunnag and Supanich Thiansing. Photo Credit: Chakrawooth KaewjunthongWhile Bangkok remains an anchor for major international events, regional cities are stepping into the spotlight. Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and increasingly Songkhla are drawing academic and medical conventions, thanks to local university networks and improved infrastructure.
TCEB’s establishment of regional offices across four key regions has been instrumental in empowering local governments and private players to bid for and host world-class events. For instance, Udon Thani is gearing up to host the International Horticultural Exposition 2026, while Nakhon Ratchasima has won the bid for a similar event in 2029.
“This is energising MICE cities outside Bangkok and giving our emerging destinations, especially cities in the northeastern region, to make more inroad into events industry,” said Puripan. “Hosting world-scale will allow these regions to showcase their potential to the world market.”
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MICE Celebration Year in 2026
The momentum builds towards 2026, which TCEB is branding as Thailand’s “MICE Celebration Year”. Besides Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo, key international events already on the calendar include IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain (Oct 2026), World Bank meetings (Nov 2026), Gastech 2026, expected to draw 40,000 delegates; and the GSTC Global Summit in Phuket.
In preparation, TCEB is working with ministries and airport authorities to roll out MICE fast lanes for VIP and group arrivals at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani airports.
“We believe that these series of large-scale events in 2026 will assure Thai MICE industry of the continued vibrancy of our industry and motivate them to further upgrade their operation and tap into the rising business opportunities,” said Puripan.
“And of course, it will send signal to the world that Thailand is always committed to the success of world-class events.”