Why Thailand

•   Money20/20 Asia (23 – 25 April 2024)

Money 20/20 Asia, the world’s leading fintech event, will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok from 23 – 25 April 2024. Bangkok is just the third city, and the first in Asia, to host the event and the organisers’ decision to hold it in the Thai capital reflects Bangkok’s status as a hub for fintech growth in Asia. The event will welcome more than 20,000 fintech and financial services leaders from around the world, and create investment opportunities for the region. As a growing marketing centre, it is expected to be the world’s largest financial ecosystem by 2030.

Previous Money 20/20 events have proven to be wonderful platforms for creating opportunities for start-ups, and growth opportunities and awareness for companies. Money 20/20 Asia will offer participants the chance to network, extend business deals and find new business partners. This year’s event will differ from previous editions in its focus on fintech and the financial services ecosystem in Asia, future pathways and financial innovations emerging in Southeast Asia. Other topics on the agenda at Money 20/20 Asia include trends, success stories, and investment strategies.

More Information: https://asia.money2020.com/

•   MICE Day (26 April 2024)

National MICE Day is held annually on 26 April. Events held on the day serve as a platform to highlight the Thai MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conventions, & Exhibitions) industry as a mechanism for economic development, generating income, and distributing wealth across all parts of the country. Highlights of MICE Day 2024 will include lectures from expert speakers on the future of the industry, and exhibitions featuring the best of what MICE has to offer. 

More Information: Facebook MICE in Thailand

•   International Sand Sculpture Festival 2024 (30 April – 19 May 2024)

Get ready for the first International Sand Sculpture Festival held in Thailand, which will feature amazing sculptures created by Thai and international artists who express their creativity through the use of just sand and water. More than 50 works will be molded, carved and sculpted under the theme of “Mystical Himmaphan Forest”. The theme offers wonderful opportunities for the creation of bizarre animal and creature sculptures. The festival will also offer visitors the challenge of getting through the country’s largest and most mysterious sand maze. Additionally, the event will feature live stage performances, and more than 100 F&B and merchandise stalls. The International Sand Sculpture Festival will be held at Legend Siam Pattaya.

More Information: https://yakticket.com/event/international-sand-sculpture-festival-2024?aff=nile-aura

2. New Places 

•    AIS SIAM

AIS SIAM is a four-storey building located behind the Lido Theatre in Bangkok’s Siam Square that AIS has transformed into one of the city’s newest landmarks. It caters to the lifestyles of the new generation through its various features: 

- First Floor: The CO-SHARING SPACE offers visitors a place to hang out, chat, or hold meetings. Use of the modern, comfortable space is free and also comes with free high-speed internet access, making it perfect for both casual and professional meetings.  

- Second Floor: AIS SIAM DANCE SPACE is an open-plan dance studio that can accommodate 20 dancers.

- Third Floor: The AIS PLAYHOUSE is a cozy cinema that showcases a variety of content including series, variety programmes, anime, and entertaining content from streaming platforms like WeTV, MONOMAX, iQIYI, and Viu. Audiences get to experience the content on the giant screen with high-quality sound, and comfortable reclining seats. 

- Fourth Floor: The AIS eSports STUDIO offers internet services on state-of-the-art computers with the fastest internet service in all of Siam Square. The venue is open 24 hours a day making it the go-to spot for gamers seeking a high-quality gaming environment at any time of the day or night. 

•   Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok 

The Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok is a 5-star health resort centrally located on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Rd. near the Asoke BTS station. The facility offers a range of health check courses conducted by the expert medical team from the BDMS Wellness Clinic, part of the Bangkok Hospital Group. It is an ideal option for MICE visitors wanting to relax and get rejuvenated. The resort also features the renowned Kham Hom Thai restaurant where Chef Ian prepares healthy meals from all over the country, using only the freshest local ingredients.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/MovenpickBDMSWellnessBangkok/

•   Zero Latency Thailand
  
  
  Located on the fourth floor of the Glass Quartier building at EmQuartier, this is the only wireless, Free-Roam VR technology venue in Thailand. Originally from Australia, the technology allows players a unique gaming experience where they can move freely without the hindrance of cables. There is a selection of six different games to choose from, and the venue offers MICE visitors a fantastic and unique option for group corporate events in a fun, interactive environment.
  
  
  

3. Foods 

•   Khao Chae

Khao Chae is a traditional Thai dish usually served in the hot summer months. There are both royal and rural versions of the dish but each consists of rice soaked in flower-scented water accompanied by a range of delicious side dishes. Typical side dishes include shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed peppers, shredded pork or beef, stir-fried Chinese sausage with eggs, and fresh vegetables. Originally khao chae was a dish enjoyed by the Mon people that was adopted by the Thais a number of centuries ago. In the Mon language it is called “piang daat” which translates as “rice water”. Traditionally khao chae was made to offer to monks and respected elders for blessings and good fortune.

•   Kalamare 

Kalamare is a Mon toffee-like sweet that has been enjoyed for generations and is traditionally made during the Songkran New Year festival as an offering for monks and a gift for friends and relatives. The main ingredients are sticky rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Preparing the sweet requires some effort as the mixture must be stirred continuously until it becomes thick and dark and resembles a caramelized dough. The process requires great care and patience, and a spirit of co-operation among those preparing it. Kalamare is considered an auspicious gift to welcome the New Year, and its fragrant, sweet taste continues to delight all ages.

•   Patongko 

Patongko is a very popular Thai street food dessert that is enjoyed by both Thais and foreigners. It is often eaten at breakfast, or as a snack with tea or sweetened condensed milk coffee and custard. According to a survey by the food website "TasteAtlas" patongko was ranked as one of the Top 4 tastiest fried dough snacks in the world, and one of the world’s Top 5 street food desserts. Patongko originates from China and in Cantonese the term literally means “white sugar pastry” and is similar in texture to a fluffy cupcake. However, the Thai version is referred to as “yu char kway” in the Teochew language which translates as “oil-fried pastry”.