THAILAND SET TO REOPEN WITH PHUKET SANDBOX.

Before Thailand’s borders will be fully opened, Phuket is set to become the first province under the “Sandbox” Model allowing foreign travelers who are completely vaccinated to enter Thailand whereas other major destinations – Chiangmai and Chonburi (Pattaya) are in the pipeline for reopening by this August and October, respectively. The implementation of the Sandbox Model is scheduled on 1 July 2021 after Thailand kicked off mass vaccination in June, and now has risen to the third spot among ASEAN countries which have administered the highest number of COVID-19 shots.

Simultaneously, Thai government economic relief measures inclusive of the Khon La Khrueng (Half-Half) co-payment scheme, Ying Chai Ying Dai (the more you spend, the more you get) scheme, and the relief scheme for holders of state welfare cards have been implemented to ease the cost of living of 51 million Thais, and to stimulate the COVID- beset economy for the rest of the year.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has recently announced that the country will speed up to reopen its borders within 120 days to international tourists after a year of restriction.

TCEB, in the meantime, is ready to help revitalize national economy. According to Ms. Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB Senior Vice President – Business, despite the new wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai government continues their intense focus on the mega- investment initiatives at the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Likewise, TCEB has set forth strategic campaigns as well as incentives for new international shows and organizers especially for those targeting to EEC and 12 focus industries. There will be 46 trade shows on this year's calendar, and TCEB will support 56 international shows in 2022, a record high to generate almost 740 million USD as direct revenue to Thailand.

TCEB’s 360-Degree Support to Exhibition Industry in Economic Revitalization

Since the pandemic outbreak, TCEB has formulated the following exhibition industry strategies providing full-circle support, and subsidies to stimulate international and domestic exhibitions throughout this year: 1) attract new shows and clustering events with an aim to draw more visitors and exhibitors 2) revisit existing show profiles/portfolios into potential areas offering more privileges and benefits, for example, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), MICE Cities and 3) support “Hybrid Exhibitions” and 4) encourage “New Normal Exhibitions” utilizing innovation and technology to enhance the experience of visitors through online platform, which will create business opportunities, and lower physical touch points at the shows.

TCEB and TEA Team up to Celebrate ‘GED 2021’ for Worldwide Trade Show Recovery

On 02 June 2021 at “Exhibition Strives Back” seminar, TCEB has been cordially invited to celebrate “Global Exhibition Day 2021” or “GED 2021” as one of the forefront promoter and supporter to Thailand’s exhibition industry. In the event, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, stated that even though the COVID-19 had substantially affected businesses in all segments, including MICE, the operations of TCEB, focusing consistently on the development of the industry’s infrastructure, workforce and technology, could ensure that Thailand stands ready for competition once the country re-opens.

Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) also shares a similar view. “Exhibition organizers would likely be able to reopen the organization of face-to-face exhibitions once they are approved to be held in a safe and controlled manner and in compliance with prevailing health and safety standards,” said Mr. Pravit Sribanditmongkol, TEA President.

To quickly revitalize the exhibition industry, TCEB is currently seeking support and approval from the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to accelerate vaccination for MICE industrialists and ease up control measures and restrictions for MICE events

Exhibition is globally recognized as a key to rebuild economy and MICE industry becomes one of the Thai economic stimulus mechanism. In order to raise the awareness and the importance of MICE industry particularly in Thailand, the Thai cabinet officially announces 26 April as “National MICE Day”.

For more information please contact: exhibitions@tceb.or.th