During a special visit in Bangkok, our editor-in-chief Joachim Fischer meets the President of TCEB ( Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau) Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart for  an exclusive background  discussion at the TCEB-headquarter at the Siam Tower.

Mr. Sorasuchart described the situation in Thailands MICE Market as very good, The MICE Business is growing and after the difficult last two years the world is believing Thailand again. Europe is still an important market but the asian market is coming more and more. Business from Russia and China is growing faster than  expected.

He  explained that the  market because of the networking will have a 10-15 percent plus this year. Not only from China from Singapore also. He sees Thailand as a center for Asia and he hopes that the new bridge between Kumming in China and Thailand will bring around 300 Million people more.

The next important events in Thailand are the 2012 Rotary International Convention with 30 – 35.000 delegates and the Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza 2011 with 25.000 delegates.

The importance of the MICE Business in Thailand is extremly high, Tourism is 6 percent of the Thailand GDP which a part of  MICE  at 12 percent.

The actual budget of TCEB is this year 800 Million Bath ( ca.20 Mio Euro) but the TCEB-President will ask the Government to get 40 percent more because of the very expansive bit for the World Expo in 2020. So that TCEB will have a new budget of total 30 Million Euro.

Mr. Sorasuchart , TCEB is a public organization very close related to the Government and he reports directly to the Prime Minister Office. This is more flexible and supports the privalindustry.

The next target for TCEB is to bring more events  with larger numbers of delegates and to include more the local events. Thailand is wellknown but it need a little bit more professional service.

Mr. Sorasuchart, why  the global MICE Industry should use Thailand ?

Thailand offers an array of world-class facilities, amazing destinations to choose from and internationally renowned hospitality, which will all help enhance the  business. We are also the gateway to the ASEAN marketplace that can provide you with even more business opportunities. With four key strategic advantages- professional service, world-class infrastructure and facilities, varieties of meeting destinations and countless business opportunities – Thailand is undoubtedly a place that provides all the essentials for the success of all MICE events.

Why people should believe in Thailand ( reasons to believe)

First of all our professional service. This and the expertise will ensure that you have all the necessities for your business event and more, whether it is dazzling venues, excellent and modern facilities or delightful catering. Our friendliness and hospitality, along with our legendary Thai smile, are worldrenowned, and we are always ready to make your visit memorable. Our excellent service is part of what attracts business travelers from all over the world to host their events in Thailand.

Second , with a focus on business  events, Thailand has continuously developed our MICE facilities and infrastructure, transportation facilities, as well as communications and IT network to facilitate successful business events and ensure an optimum business and living environment. Moreover, we offer world-class MICE venues. With seven top quality international convention and exhibition centres, excellent facilities to meet your needs, superior services, a variety of types of accommodations, and a wide range of services and facilities that can fulfil the needs of your business event of any scale.

Third and important is, that we are ideally located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Thailands unique history, natural attractions, and vibrant culture in a range of different geographic regions has made it an international crossroad that offers a place to create professional links for business travelers, as well as simply for making unforgettable memories.With a wide range of destinations and leisure activities, you can always add more enthusiasm and creativity into your business through the enjoyment of pre and post business tours.

Last but not least: Thailand is a dynamic country that presents business travelers with a number of competitive strategic advantages.

The 10 ASEAN countries together have a population of more than 580 million people that will soon become the worlds biggest market. In addition, Thailand is also a member of ASEAN+6 which incorporates six other high-potential Asia-Pacific countries that have the total trade value of 6,4 trillion US-Dollars – ¼ of the global trade – and a total population of 3,296 million  – 48,5 percent of the worlds population.

You see, we and when you do business here, we all are living in a booming region and Thailand is a gateway –  and has all reasons to smile in the future.

Mr. Sorasuchart, thank you for your time and we wish you and your country good luck for the bidding for the World Expo. We hope we see you at the opening ceremony in the year 2020 in Bangkok