Why Thailand

•   Sustainability Expo (SX2022): 7 days, 50 organisations, 100 speakers, 200 sustainable business networks, and innovation for ourselves and a better world

Sustainability Expo will be the first truly massive sustainability exhibition in ASEAN, and will be held from 26 September to 2 October 2022. The event will feature the latest innovations and the chance to learn from experts in sustainable development from more than 50 local and international companies, plus over 100 speakers from around the globe sharing their insights into sustainability practices and innovations for a better world. More than 200 sustainable business networks will attend, sharing initiatives for better living, for tackling climate change, and improving community development, health, and well-being for all. The event will take place over more than 40,000 square metres at the newly refurbished Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and includes five multi-media exhibition zones: SEP Inspiration, Planet Possible, Better Me, Better Living, and Better Community. It will also feature special food zones with the Food Fest highlighting delicious fare from top chefs that produce no waste, plus a market place showcasing community crafts.  

For more information: https://sustainabilityexpo.com/

•   The Bangkok Art Biennale 2022

The Bangkok Art Biennale 2022 will be held from 22 October 2022 until 23 February 2023. This amazing bi-annual event brings together the very best in international contemporary art, and is not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the arts. This third edition of the Biennale will be held under the theme of “CHAOS:CALM” contemplating the contradictions of contemporary Bangkok as presented by a wide range of artists. With the Biennale, Bangkok is ready to reclaim its place as a top global destination for tourists and MICE travellers wanting to admire the works of top local and international artists. Works presented at the Biennale will be exhibited in locations across the city including public spaces like temples, cultural heritage areas, and art spaces, reflecting the ongoing changes in our surroundings and daily lives. Eleven locations already announced include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayun, the BACC, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Museum Siam, Siam Mitrtown, The PARQ, The Prelude One Bangkok, JWD Art Space, and the BAB Virtual Venue. 

For more information: https://www.bkkartbiennale.com/ 

•   World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2021

World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2021 will be held from 3 – 6 November 2022 at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, and is the first world-championship running competition to be held in Southeast Asia and is sanctioned by a number of international sports associations. The race route has been designed to maximise the stunning location at Doi Suthep and the event will welcome participants from Thailand and athletes and their entourages from around the world - 5,000 national-team trail runners and their teams from 60 countries are expected to join. Tens of thousands of Thai and foreign tourists are also expected to attend, generating more than 500 million baht in local revenue. In addition to the world championship run, organisers are ensuring there will be plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy and participate in at the beginning of the annual tourist season. Planned activities include a half-marathon, the 40km and 80km Thailand Trail Championships, and the conversion of Nimmanahaeminda Rd. into “Trail City” for the duration of the event. 

For more information: https://wmtrc2021thailand.com/

•   Siam Square Walking Street

Siam Square continues to be a key location when it comes to the latest trends in more than just fashion. The iconic Bangkok area offers unlimited learning resources, the opportunity to connect across generations and is always full of surprises, which all add up to making it one of the liveliest, most fun, and most welcoming parts of the city. After undergoing a recent renovation of the entire area, one of the new features is the Siam Square Walking Street which occurs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Filled with colour and excitement, it is a wonderful location for visiting tourists and MICE travellers to experience, and the new pedestrian zone now offers more fun than ever. Aside from the shops lining both sides of the walking street, the area also features a number of activity spaces where you’ll find all kinds of performers showing off their skills, from singing and playing musical instruments, to dancing and performance art that is completely new and unique. Siam Square never fails to surprise and delight and is a must-visit for visitors to Bangkok. 

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/SiamSquareOfficial/

•   Habito Mall 

Habito Mall is a Japanese-style community mall located at the T77 project on Sukhumvit 77 in the heart of the city, and was designed by the internationally-recognised branding and design agency Winkreative. The name “habito” is derived from a combination of “habitat”, or natural settlement, and the Japanese word “bito” which means “people”, and the aim is to allow citizens the opportunity to experience fresh air and shopping in a natural environment. Habito Mall offers lifestyle activities from morning till night under the concept of “Habito: The Heart of Good Living”. The venue features 32 outlets from shops to restaurants and international cafes, as well as lifestyle outlets including the RSM Muay Thai Academy, and the feature HUBBA-TO Co-working Space and Artisan Hub by HUBBA which offers the perfect space to meet the lifestyle needs of the new generation of working people.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/habitomall/

•   The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon 

The Standard Hotel group’s Asian flagship project, The Standard is located within the 78-storey King Power Mahanakhon building in the heart of Bangkok’s business district between busy Silom and Sathorn Roads, and surrounded by many of the city’s coolest venues. The hotel’s concept of “Anything but Standard” reflects the dynamism of the city of Bangkok and is where the brand creates, and offers, different experiences for its guests. All of The Standard’s 155 rooms were designed by the influential contemporary Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and The Standard’s design team. Hotel features include the swimming pool with its sweeping views of the Bangkok metropolis, the 24-hour fitness centre, and a selection of f&b options including Mott 32 with its award-winning menu of time-honoured Cantonese recipes. MICE travellers should be sure not to miss out on visiting the observatory on the 78th floor with its breath-taking views of the city skyline. By 2026 there are plans to have 19 The Standard hotels around the globe, including one in Pattaya scheduled to open in 2025. 

For more information : www.standardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok

3. Foods 

Thailand is justly renowned for its magnificent cuisine and CNN Travel’s current list of the Top 50 street foods in Asia includes three Thai favourites:

•   Crab Omelette 

According to CNN Travel, the crab omelette is far tastier than your usual egg dish. The mixture of eggs and crab meat gives the dish a crispy yet soft and fluffy texture, and delicious flavour. The additional of some chilli sauce on the side makes it even more irresistible. The dish is widely popular and well-known throughout the world thanks to Jay Fai’s Michelin-starred Chinatown restaurant. 

•   Khao Soi  

Khao Soi is a northern dish that in simple terms is noodles in a curry sauce. The creation of the dish is believed to have been influenced by trade with Chinese Hor and Islamic merchants from the Xishuangbanna area of Yunnan in the mid-19th century. Khao soi chin hor then further evolved to more closely match with the tastes of the northern Thai people with the addition of coconut milk, a sprinkling of onions, and coriander. For maximum deliciousness, khao soi is eaten with sides of chilli oil, lime, sliced shallots, and pickled cabbage. 

•   Isaan sausage

Isaan sausage originates from the northeastern region of Thailand. The sausage is made from seasoned pork mixed with sticky rice and garlic, fermented and dried until it develops a sour taste, and this method of preserving meat has been passed down for generations. The popular Isaan sausages seen today still have a slightly sour taste having been fermented for a number of days. Aside from their great taste and continued popularity, Isaan sausages are high in nutritional value, containing all five of the main food groups.

Photo credit: https://edition.cnn.com/