About Southern Thailand

Aside from a few centres, notably Phuket and Samui, most of Southern Thailand has (up to now) escaped the fast-paced growth that has taken over these two resort destinations. Bye and large, the area has retained its natural and quaint charm. Visitors can flock to urban centres to re-acquaint themselves with a more modern sophisticated lifestyle (Thai style) and comfort items such as fancy restaurants, nightlife and shopping malls. The infrastructure needed to achieve success with bigger MICE events is also available in larger centres.

Southern Thailand has nine airports (excluding Phuket and Koh Samui airports), all of which handle flights to Bangkok. Only four – Hat Yai, Krabi, Pattani and Surat Thani – offer international flights to destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia and to several cities in China. There are seasonal flights to other cities abroad that leave from Krabi.

Hat Yai and Krabi Airports are the fifth and sixth airports in Thailand respectively with Hat Yai handling 3,147,281 and 2,700,950 passengers along with 22,319 and 21,729 flights respectively.

Southern Thailand does not have any centres specifically devoted to MICE events, but there are several unique venues available. Upscale hotels can cater to small and medium-sized events with some halls and centres having a capacity up to 500 people. Hat Yai, close to the border with Malaysia, plays host to reasonably large events – mostly domestic or from across the border – and has a wealth of experience in making these events a resounding success, especially in the ‘budget’ range, while Krabi has carved itself a niche in the agricultural sector.

Infrastructure in the region continues to undergo development to facilitate economic growth and easier access. There is a well-developed road network system; upgrades and expansions bring about improvements. A high speed railway from Bangkok south to the Malaysian border (and on to Kuala Lumpur) that's in the planning stage will help connect seaports, airports, border areas and other depots. The area contains several hospitals that are available to treat minor injuries. Serious ailments and illnesses can be treated at international hospitals in Phuket or Hat Yai (Hat Yai is home to Thailand’s second teaching hospital). Major shopping malls can be found in city centres such as Hat Yai, Hua Hin, Krabi and Surat Thani (along with Phuket and Samui, also in the South).

Premier hotels that offer smaller events at a professional calibre, a spectacular landscape that's an ultimate playground for adventure activities, the warmth of the Thai people and the ever-so-good Thai food make Southern Thailand a perfect place to combine business and leisure activities.