Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) EXPLOSION INCIDENT IN BANGKOK: THAILAND SITUATION UPDATE ON 24 AUGUST 2015 at 17.00 hrs.

On 23 August 2015, the Royal Thai Government issued a Message of Confidence to the Thai public and the global community that “The Royal Thai Government wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under complete control of security officials. Additional security personnel have been deployed to patrol every area so as to accord maximum security to the general public. In addition, the Royal Thai Government would like to convey to all foreigners who are planning on traveling to Thailand, be they for tourism, trade, educational or business purposes, or MICE, that the Government shall be doing its utmost to provide a safe and secure environment for the duration of your stay in Thailand, complemented with Thai friendliness and hospitality as always,” the Message concluded.

For the official Royal Thai Government’s Message of Confidence, please click here.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB as the Royal Thai Government’s flagship body established to support business events here in Thailand has prepared six immediate measures with the emphasis on providing assistance and maintaining confidence among MICE organisers and travellers attending TCEB-supported events in Thailand, especially during the period of August – October 2015. For more information, please click here.

As normality returned to Bangkok, TCEB would like to once again assure all MICE organisers and travellers that business events and activities are continuing as normal in Bangkok and throughout the country. During August – October 2015, there are a total of 72 confirmed MICE events with 76,608 delegates.

TCEB is also pleased to report that the World Congress of Surgery, being held from 23-27 August 2015, which previously received 2,300 pre-registered delegates, has recorded a total of 2,500 delegates. In addition, Thailand has been chosen as the host venue for The Organo Gold Asia Convention 2015 from 23-25 October in Bangkok for 10,000 delegates, making it the second largest convention of Organo Gold after USA.

Operation of the MICE Industry

International stakeholders are advised that Thailand’s MICE industry continues to operate as normal, and all public and private sector stakeholders are working together to monitor the situation. All hotels, venues and attractions are open and ready to welcome travellers. Transportation links, major roads and airports continue to operate, including Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT services and both Don Muang and Suvannabhumi International Airports.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced to waive the flight change surcharge for tickets issued by THAI sales offices in Thailand as well as overseas, as well as tickets issued online through www.thaiairways.com prior to or on 17 August 2015 during 18 August to 18 September 2015 for the convenience of customers who may not be able to travel. The waiver for flight changes will be allowed one time only for all routes specified on the passenger ticket, with the same ticket validity as specified in the original ticket and/or by 18 September 2015.

As the government’s flagship body for the MICE sector, TCEB will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Should travellers require any further information, please call TCEB office: +66 (0) 2694 6000, TCEB call centre at 1105 (within Thailand only), visit www.tceb.or.th or contact info@tceb.or.th, or contact these relevant authorities:

•    Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672

•    Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hotline +66 (0) 2644 7245 / 2643 5522 / 85 065 9927

•    Tourist Police Hotline 1155

•    Suvannabhumi International Airport +66 (0) 2132 4000

•    Don Muang International Airport +66 (0) 2535 1616

•    THAI Contact Center at Tel. 02-356-1111

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For more information please contact:

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel +66 2 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang    Tel +66 2 694 6006    Email: kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton    Tel +66 2 694 6096    Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th