-- The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has announced a strategic direction for 2026 aimed at attracting higher-value business events and broadening its international reach beyond traditional tourism markets. The announcement was made at a London briefing held in January, where TCEB officials presented the bureau's plans to global industry stakeholders.
Thailand currently holds the largest exhibition venue capacity in Southeast Asia and ranks fourth largest across Asia. In 2025, the country hosted 509 exhibitions and welcomed 23.6 million participants, underscoring the scale of its existing business events infrastructure.
At the London briefing, officials pointed to Thailand's visa-free entry policy for nationals of 93 countries, with visa-on-arrival access available to more than 30 others. The policy was presented as a key factor in keeping international conventions accessible at a time when some markets face tightening entry requirements.
"We are the gateway to Asia," said TCEB President Dr. Supawan Teerarat.
The 2026 strategy targets high-value sectors including energy transition, electric vehicles, medical technology, and creative industries. Bangkok is scheduled to host Gastech 2026, a major global energy summit expected to draw more than 50,000 participants — an event officials cited as evidence of Thailand's capacity to manage large-scale industrial gatherings.
TCEB also confirmed that carbon measurement and decarbonisation efforts will be progressively tied to financial support for event organisers. The bureau has set a target to reduce 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
The broader strategic direction signals a move away from transactional trade platforms toward higher-value exhibitions that bring together design, industry, and knowledge exchange. Officials described this as an economic realignment, with Thailand seeking to serve as a neutral meeting point for international business amid ongoing geopolitical shifts globally.
TCEB, which operates under Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, works with businesses and organisations seeking to hold exhibitions and conventions in Thailand, providing government-level support and industry facilitation for international operators.
About
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is a government agency under Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports. TCEB supports and develops the business events industry in Thailand, working with international organisations, exhibition operators, and convention planners to facilitate events across the country.
Contact Info:
Name: Thanthita Inman
Email: Send Email
Organization: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau
Website: https://www.businesseventsthailand.com/
Release ID: 89186757
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