Why Thailand

    Thailand is well-known for the “Uniquely Thai” which impresses the international MICE travellers whether it is the unique service and hospitality of people and Thai food. Discover new experiences in the unique way of life in terms of valuable traditions and local culture and plentiful nature. Besides, assorted MICE activities and events are available to fulfill all kinds of demand. It is a rare experience that can be discovered in Thailand only. Moreover, with the efficient provision of the world-class facility to organise MICE events and the diverse concept of the creative organisation under the uniqueness, Thailand is the destination that fulfills all demands for MICE. 

1.  Thai Trends

•   Songkran in Thailand This Year Lasts for 21 Days 

In 2024, Thailand is organising 21 days of grand Songkran festivities from 1 – 21 April under the banner “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024”. The event aims to promote the Thai New Year festival globally and position Thailand in the top 10 of international festival countries worldwide. The festival will feature parades in 16 targeted provinces, and the country’s soft power will be on display with cultural performances including khon (traditional Thai masked dance), manohra dance and performances by renowned Thai and international artists in 11 provinces. The festival will also highlight the unique Songkran traditions from Thailand’s five regions with activities planned across the country. The celebration begins on 1 April 2024 in Chiang Mai at the Chiang Mai Pa Weni New Year Festival held across the city until 15 April, and will conclude on 21 April in Chonburi and Samut Prakan provinces. 

The festival is being promoted as a great opportunity to showcase Thailand’s culture and traditions to the world. To facilitate the event’s international coverage, partnerships have been forged with global media outlets including CNN and BBC to present a range of Songkran-related content to the world.

•   Soft Power Competition: Thailand Sets a World Record

The Ministry of Tourism & Sports, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has partnered with the Guinness Book of World Records to launch the “THAILAND SOFT POWER X GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS CHALLENGE”. The challenge aims to attempt to break five different world records within a one-minute period, including popping the most balloons while wearing boxing gloves, the most people wearing elephant pants, eating the most patongko (Thai fried dough sticks), the most people wearing traditional phi ta khon masks, and eating the most popcorn. The activity is part of the government’s “Soft Power” policy which is a strategic tool aimed at increasing economic value. The event takes place between 23 – 29 May at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon. 

•   Trousers with Provincial Identity Patterns 

From Thailand’s “elephant pants” to the “Korat cat pants” the huge popularity of these local trousers has spurred several Thai provinces to look to find creative designs that reflect their own local identity. Some examples of the trend include Phitsanulok’s cock-fighting-themed trousers, dinosaur-patterned pants from Khon Kaen, the “whispers of love” trousers from Nan, and mackerel fish pants from Samut Songkhram. The soft power trend promotes local culture and provides a boost for tourism and local industries.

•  Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan 

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is situated on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is one of Thailand’s oldest and most important temples, believed to have been built during the Ayutthaya period. Originally called Wat Makok, the temple is renowned for its 82-metre-high central prang (tower) colourfully decorated with glazed porcelain tiles creating a truly stunning spectacle. The surrounding temple complex also features a pagoda which contains a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, a vihara (monastery) with a statue of a reclining Buddha, and a magnificent golden teak ordination hall. Wat Arun is a major attraction both for religious worshippers and tourists, offering all visitors the opportunity to appreciate its stunning beauty, take memorable photos and enjoy boat trips along the river. The temple is open daily from 8am – 6pm. 

•   Amphawa Floating Market

​The Amphawa Floating Market, located in Amphawa district near Wat Amphawa Chetiyaram, dates back more than 100 years and is one of Thailand’s most popular floating markets. The market is distinguished by the beautiful wooden houses that line its waterways as well as the bustling trade that occurs on the water each day. The market is busiest on weekends and public holidays when it truly comes alive with waterborne vendors offering all manner of produce for sale including mussels, pad thai, boat noodles, banana desserts, and stuffed pancakes. The market is open from 10am – 9pm, and after it closes, the area is abuzz with a different type of activity – firefly-watching tours. Along the darker banks of the Mae Klong River and its tributaries, fireflies congregate around the lamphu (mangrove apple) trees providing a memorable, magical spectacle for observers.  

•   Phurua Sanctuary Resort & Spa

This 4-star resort nestles in the foothills of the Phurua district of Loei province. Featuring modern Thai architecture, it is recognised as an official “Thai Wellness Destination” by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Public Health. The resort is renowned for its wellness treatments and health programmes that are rooted in traditional Thai herbal practices and local wisdom. Guests can choose from a range of offerings provided in a serene, natural setting, including traditional Thai massage, herbal compresses, and herbal steam treatments which utilize the local herbs to enhance physical and mental well-being. 

3. Local Communities

•   Ban Hat Song Kwae Community, Uttaradit Province

The community in Hat Song Kwae sub-district, Tron district, Uttaradit province largely consists of people with Laotian Vieng ancestry who migrated from Vientiane, Laos during the reign of King Rama III. The community has managed to preserve its traditional culture and customs which remain reflected in their dress, cultural practices, local cuisine, and beliefs. MICE travellers are invited to explore and learn about the community’s way of life via interesting activities including offering alms to local monks, visiting the Two-Coloured River Museum, and purchasing local handicrafts made from woven fabric.    

•   Chinese Kudi Community, Bangkok

This ancient community located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River was founded by Thais of Chinese and Portuguese descent who migrated from Ayutthaya after the city’s second sacking around 200 years ago. The community is unique in its way of life which blends elements of Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim ideas with the diverse cultural traditions of its Thai and Chinese residents. The community’s rich historical and artistic heritage can be explored at sites including Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan, Santa Cruz Church, and the Museum of Kudi Chin. In addition to the historical sites, the community is renowned for some of its delicious local cuisine which is still made in the traditional wooden houses in the area, including khanom farang kudi chin, a Chinese/Western hybrid dessert which is similar in taste to egg-based pastries.  

Credit : www.cbtthailand.dasta.or.th

•   Songkhla Old Town Community, Songkhla Province

Songkhla’s Old Town is a beautiful street lined with wonderfully preserved buildings that highlight the architectural styles of the original Songkhla city, including Chinese shophouses, Sino-Portuguese, and classic-style buildings. The area also features ancient Chinese buildings of the Hokkien community. The atmosphere is enhanced by vibrant street art reflecting the life and culture of the local people, painted on the walls of many buildings. MICE travellers will also get to enjoy a wide range of delicious desserts highlighting the Chinese, Thai, and Western influences, and local savoury favourites that really offer visitors with a taste of the local culture.