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

•   Bangkok International Digital Content Festival 2022 

TCEB is joining with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Ministry of Commerce to open a platform to showcase the potential and amazing work being created in the Thai digital content industry with respect to animation, gaming, characters, computer graphics, and mobile applications. In its ninth year, the event highlights the advances at the centre of the industry. In its support of Thai digital content as an industry that drives the economy, under the banner of the “creative economy”, the event will also feature the BIDC Awards, online discussions (webinairs) in streaming formats, and a number of the world’s leading digital content entrepreneurs interested in pursuing online business negotiations. The event takes place from 5 – 27 May 2022. 

For more information, please log on to http://www.bidcfest.com

Photo Credit: http://www.bidcfest.com

•   Bangkok Motorbike Festival 2022

The biggest festival in Southeast Asia for motorbike lovers returns with everything and anything that relates to the two-wheeler way of life. From accessories to gear to lifestyle and more, the event will also feature the Bangkok Custom Bike Competition. As well as all of the activity inside, attendees will be able to park their bikes on the plaza in front of CentralWorld. Aside from being great fun, the event is also a key economic driver and encourages members of the local motorcycle industry to demonstrate their skills, and is an opportunity to showcase local potential to the international market. The Bangkok Motorbike festival will be held from 27 – 29 May 2022 at CentralWorld. 

For more information: www.bangkokmotorbikefestival.com

•   Rocket Festivals

The Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival is a cultural festival that honours the god of rain Phaya Taen according to the traditional beliefs of the people of Isaan (northeast Thailand). The event sees hundreds of rockets fired into the sky and attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. It offers a wonderful opportunity for both Thai and international MICE travellers to learn about and experience some real local culture that has been passed down for generations. The festival features many exciting events as well as the hundreds of rockets being fired into the air - a parade of floats, local games, a fair with stalls chock full of food and souvenirs, as well as displays of traditional costumes and folk dancing. The Bun Bang Fai Festival in Yasothon province attracts visitors from near and far, Thai and foreign. This year’s festival takes place between 13 – 15 May in Yasothon and will be held in accordance with Covid-19 protocols.

2. New Places

•   Rama IX Museum

Thailand’s first global ecological diversity learning centre, and the largest in Southeast Asia, highlights the interlinked relationship between our world, humans, and the environment. The centre is part of a royal initiative by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX) and is divided into three zones, namely Our Home, Our Life, and Our King. As well as the exhibition zones, the centre includes an area for temporary shows and exhibits, such as the Sciences Show. The centre is a great new museum for all ages and sexes, and one that shouldn’t be missed by MICE travellers.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/Rama9MuseumThailand/ 

•   Lumpini Park 

Bangkok’s first public park is far more than just a leafy oasis in the centre of a bustling city and a place for the urban masses to come to rest, relax, and exercise. On the occasion of the park’s upcoming 100th anniversary, Bangkok’s Office of the Environment is organising an exhibition on the upgrades coming to the park to meet the needs of people’s changing lifestyles, which includes a children’s “Dream Playground” designed to fulfill the wishes of the youth of the 21st century. With co-operation from 19 foreign embassies celebrating ongoing international relations, the improvements to Bangkok’s most famous park will add meaning and value for the environment, the city, and future generations of citizens. 

More information: https://www.facebook.com/lumpinipark100th/ 

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lumpinipark100th/

•   Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya

This brand-new international hotel located on the eastern seaboard in North Pattaya, Chonburi province is situated in a perfect location with major shopping, top-end tourist attractions, and Pattaya beach all within easy reach. The stunning property features a rooftop poolside cocktail bar where you can enjoy exquisite service with a magnificent sea view. The hotel’s Café 22 serves delicious authentic Thai cuisine, and its 280 square metre event space is fully equipped to meet MICE travellers’ requirements – all delivered in a magnificent beach location.

For more information: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pyxnp-courtyard-north-pattaya/

3. Foods 

•   Sorn

“Sorn” comes from “saran” which means a person or thing that creates a refuge offering peace of mind. The restaurant Sorn does just that and adds a new dimension to traditional southern Thai cuisine, elevating it to two-Michelin star fine dining. Highlights of Sorn’s celebrated menu include grilled Southern beef, coconut shell grilled chilli paste, and Southern shrimp curry. The delicious food is mirrored in the restaurant’s décor which reflects the community from which the quality ingredients come – decorated with local cooking utensils including fishing equipment, and a 100-year-old brass vermicelli machine. With the finest raw materials expertly prepared, and delivered in a traditional homemade style, Sorn offers a rare dining experience with the very finest authentic Southern food lovingly and skillfully served in the centre of the bustling metropolis of Bangkok.

•   Mango Sticky Rice 

Mango sticky rice, that delicious Thai dessert, is now sweeping the world. It has become part of the arsenal of the country’s “soft power” gaining recognition in restaurants across the globe, including the USA, Europe and Asia. In 2019 CNN International ranked mango sticky rice in its Top 50 dishes from around the world and since then its popularity and recognition have only continued to grow, and one thing is for certain – when you think of mango sticky rice, you think of Thailand.

•   Khao Chae

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.