MICE Overview

Accolades are nothing new for Thailand, which is recognised as one of the world’s most desirable destinations for what is probably the broadest spread of attributes anywhere. Here are a few:

• Mastercards’ Global Destination City Index declared Bangkok top-ranked destination city in the world - again - in 2016, after dropping the Thai capital to second place (after London) in 2014.
• In the Best MICE Destination 2017 Rankings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Thailand ranks 24th worldwide, having hosted 174 international association meetings in 2016. Bangkok's global ranking among cities rose to 12th in the same ranking chart.
• Lonely Planet includes Thailand in its Best Country for Food Top 10.
• Business Insider features Koh Phi Phi in its Best 15 Tropical Beaches in the World.

Thailand, an aspiring regional air travel hub, has approximately 47 operational airports or airstrips of various sizes, of which 11 are classified as international airports. Flight services to some of the smaller airports tend to get suspended from time to time due to lack of traffic, so it is important to check whether an airport is operational before planning it into an itinerary. Thailand’s five biggest and busiest airports (all international airports with regular scheduled services), in descending order, are:

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Soo-wan-a-poom)
• Phuket
• Chiang Mai
• Krabi
• Bangkok Don Muang

Comprehensive list of Thailand's airports

Of interest mainly to exhibitors at international exhibitions in Thailand, the two major sea ports are Laem Chabang, in Chonburi just east of Bangkok, and Bangkok’s Khlong Toey Port. Almost all goods arrive into Thailand through one of these ports. Even if you are exhibiting outside Bangkok, you should consign your shipment to one of these ports, for onward road transport. Goods to be imported temporarily, whether for exhibition or convention purposes, should be covered by an A.T.A. Carnet (Admission Temporaire – Temporary Admission) to avoid paying import duties. We strongly recommend using a clearance agent for all imports, temporary or otherwise.

There are currently only two practical means of travel for MICE groups between Thailand's cities and regions: Air and road, the latter by VIP coach. The railway system is outdated and in need of significant overhaul and is not recommended for use by business groups. Looking ahead, in August 2014 the government approved a seven-year plan (2014 -2020) of investment in dual track rail throughout the country anda high speed rail system linking key cities/regions and neighbouring countries.

As part of TCEB’s marketing drive, five key MICE cities have been identified. These are:

Bangkok: Evolving Metropolis
Pattaya: Festive Seaside
Chiang Mai: Lanna MICE destination
Phuket: Luxurious Incentive Island
Khon Kaen: Gateway to Greater Mekong Sub Region (GMS)and Indo-China

Differing slightly from TCEB’s choice, Meet in Thailand adds Koh Samui to the above list, but drops Khon Kaen, which we believe has more appeal for domestic than international business events.

Although possibly a little behind schedule, there is no doubt that the AEC goal of “regional economic integration” will be realised – bringing with it the benefits of both enhanced regional co-operation and, perhaps more significantly for Thailand’s MICE industry, increased global interest and attention to the region. Poised at the geographical centre of ASEAN, Thailand is well placed to become the MICE destination of choice in Asia and around the world. The country has the infrastructure (present and planned), the venues, the accommodation, the experienced suppliers, the skilled labour, the attractions – and the will.