Why Thailand

MICE travellers worldwide travel to gain the genuine experience from the liveliness of Thailand, which is the destination that fulfills their demand for business and tourism (Bleisure) via the ten MICE cities that have their own identity, i.e. Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Songkhla, as well as other potential cities, i.e. Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, Petchaburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, Kanchanaburi, Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The experience gained from these MICE cities can be extended to the creative idea to organise all forms of MICE events, which are the meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions, megaevents and festivals, CSR/team building, local community, to the MICE target groups to learn about the impressive identity of Thailand. 

1. Seasonal Events, Festivals & Exhibitions

•   Architect’22 – the 34th Edition of ASEAN’s Largest Architectural Technology & Building Products Exhibition 

Returning bigger and better than ever, is architect’22, the largest architectural technology & building products exhibition in ASEAN to be held from 26 April – 1 May 2022 at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani. The event is being organised under the concept of “Reliance (CO-WITH CREATORS)” presenting stories, thought processes, and principles of collaboration between architects and creators throughout the exhibition. Numbers of works will be on display, daily activities will be held, and the event will feature a Thematic Pavilion displaying collaborations between designers and exhibitors that align with the event’s concept. This is South East Asia’s largest exhibition for construction products and technology, and a showcase for the very latest innovations in products and services. More than 500 leading Thai architects and designers, and international exhibitors will be featured. 

More information: https://architectexpo.com/2022/  

•   INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL 2022 WONDERFUL NIGHT KENNY G International Concerts

A magical night beckons on 7 May 2022 with the beautiful saxophone stylings of the internationally-acclaimed Kenny G. The world’s best-selling jazz artist, an American Music Award and Grammy Award-winner, Kenny G will be performing a 90-minute set featuring all of your favourites at Thailand’s premier international jazz and blues festival.

The event will also feature a reunion of Dragonfly, and many more special guests, and is an event that any jazz or fusion fan cannot afford to miss.

More information: https://www.thaiticketmajor.com/ 

•   Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2022

The biggest festival for motorcycle lovers in South East Asia, the Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2022 hits town on 27 – 29 May at CentralWorld. The event brings together everything relating to the life of a ‘two-wheeler’ and will feature motorbike products for every rider, covering all types of motorcycles. It will also include the Bangkok Custom Bike Competition 2022.

More information: https://bangkokmotorbikefestival.com/

2. สถานที่ใหม่สร้างประสบการณ์ใหม่ (New Places) 

•    Jim Thompson Art Center Art Center

The brand new Jim Thompson Art Center is a 3,000 square metre knowledge centre created under the concept of being an art space where people can meet and exchange ideas. Over four floors, the centre contains various zones ready to host exhibitions and other activities focussed on the arts and culture. The venue is a fully-functional site with car park, cafe, library, art shop, gallery, and event space. The new centre offers open house for artists to work together, and is the perfect place to find that mix of traditional and contemporary Thai art.

More information: www.facebook.com/jimthompsonartcenter/ 

•   Kene Hotel Bangkok 

This cool new hotel located in Charoen Nakhon offers many chic spots for taking stunning Instagram shots with its uncluttered décor and million-dollar riverside views. Though the hotel has just opened, word is quickly spreading about the chill and cozy vibe given off by the building’s white square shape and minimalist design. Enjoy taking time by the swimming pool located in the hotel’s centre, or relax with a coffee at the riverside Sarin Café.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/KeneHotelBangkok/ 

•   Harajuku, Thailand (Entertainment)

Harajuku Thailand is a new tourist destination on Suwinthawaong Rd. in Bangkok that will have visitors wondering if they have been transported to the Far East. Set on 50 acres, Harajuku Thailand is modelled on a classic Japanese village from the Edo period and includes more than 100 outlets including restaurants, fashion boutiques and souvenir shops. It also features a shop that offers a full set of yukata and kimono rental services for unforgettable Instagram shots. It is a great place to relax, chill and enjoy tasty food all delivered in an atmosphere of the old city. Harajuku Thailand is a great option for families also, with its indoor amusement park for children and group activities.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/harajukuth/ 

3. Foods 

•   Pad thai

Pad thai is one of the most popular Thai dishes with MICE travellers. The taste of a pad thai varies and this ubiquitous Thai food can be found everywhere from high-end restaurants to streetside stalls. Pad thai is now known and enjoyed across the globe with the Oxford dictionary classifying ‘pad thai’ as a general term without the need to capitalise it. It is now as famous and identifiably Thai as pizza and lasagna are to Italy, or tacos to Mexico.

•   Popular and Healthy Herbs found in Thai food 

Thai food is renowned for including vegetables and herbs as important ingredients that enhance flavour, help combat fishy smells, and stimulate the appetite.

• Garlic is a key ingredient that is found in pretty much every Thai dish, whether the dish is boiled, stir-fried, fried, or a curry. It’s spicy and its properties help nourish the blood and the heart, and fight heart disease. In addition, garlic helps control blood pressure, expel intestinal gas and relieve cold symptoms. 
• Pepper is a fragrant herb used as a condiment to enhance the flavour of dishes. Pepper is useful in helping to fight cancer-causing substances, treating coughs and asthma symptoms, and expectorating phlegm. Both fresh and dried peppers are used in Thai dishes. It is a staple in soups and stir-fries.
  
• Ginger is a fragrant and spicy herb which can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes such as stir-fried chicken with ginger, or black sesame dumplings in ginger tea. Ginger’s properties are good for the heart, help prevent viruses, reduce fat and cholesterol, and aid in weight loss and the treatment of canker sores.
  
• Lemongrass is another local herb used in Thai cuisine, with a unique fragrance which adds a rich flavour and helps combat the pungent smell of meat and seafood. Lemongrass can help relieve pain, treat bruises and urinary tract infections, expel intestinal gas and aid digestion. It is mostly used in Thai dishes such as lemongrass salad, curries, and tom yum soup. 

•   Michelin Star Thai restaurant - Aksorn

Aksorn Thai restaurant offers a menu inspired by Thai cookbooks from 1937-1972 and includes signature dishes that cannot be found elsewhere. Among the most popular menu items at the 1-Michelin star restaurant are khanom krok na moo kem (Thai coconut pudding topped with salted pork) and simmered tofu served with quince and olive leaves. Renowned chef David Thompson’s menu has been primarily developed from his collection of Thai cookbooks published between 1937 and 1972. The menu changes constantly in order to serve the delicious recipes from the past that diners of all ages can enjoy. Diners can sit inside where they can witness all of the goings-on in the open kitchen, or on the terrace where they can enjoy the atmosphere of Bangrak from the 5th floor of Central: The Original Store.

Credit: https://guide.michelin.com/