Thailand Repositions Its Exhibition Industry To Drive FDI And A $44.5Bn Creative Economy

TCEB's President, Dr. Supawan Teerarat, outlined the intent behind the next phase of the bureau's strategy: "The direction is toward value creation with exchange of ideas, talent, and intellectual property."

Central to the announced strategy is THE WORLD ENDS, a design-led exhibition set to launch in Bangkok in November 2026. TCEB plans to connect design directly to established industries to strengthen export competitiveness and raise the premium positioning of Thai-made goods on international markets. Thailand's creative economy is currently valued at contributing more than 8% of national GDP.

TCEB also presented Thailand's visa access conditions as a competitive advantage - visa-free arrangements for 93 countries and visa-on-arrival for more than 30 additional nations - at a time when other markets are tightening entry requirements. The bureau has set a 20,000 TonCO2e emissions reduction target for the events industry by 2030, with sustainability requirements now being incorporated into financial support mechanisms.

For global investors and organisers, Thailand is presenting itself not solely as a venue provider, but as a strategic gateway to ASEAN markets, linking creativity with manufacturing capacity. Singapore and China remain the principal competing destinations for international exhibition and convention business in the region.

About

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is a government agency operating under Thailand's Office of the Prime Minister. The bureau supports and promotes Thailand as a destination for conventions, exhibitions, and business events, providing assistance to organisers, exhibitors, and businesses seeking to operate within Thailand's meetings and events sector.

Spokesperson/Contact Name: Thanthita Inman

Placeline: Bangkok, Thailand

Name of Company/Organization: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

Website:

Email Address: ...

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at