Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) in partnership with Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) is leading 20 Thai exhibitors. The destinations represented this year is significant for they are the strongest signal yet of the re-opening of Thailand for international travel. Phuket re-opened in July under a “Phuket Sandbox” framework, while Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phetchaburi, Prachuab Kirikhan (including Hua Hin), and Chonburi (including Pattaya) are set, according the government’s plan, to follow suit in weeks to come. This means full vaccinated travelers from overseas should soon be able to enter Thailand via any of these gateway cities. Details of the plan are expected very soon.
TCEB President Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said: “I have no doubt Phuket Sandbox and its extension to more nearby cities, the government’s planned reopening of more cities soon and TCEB-led presence of all 10 Thai MICE cities will be welcome news to attendees of IT&CMA.”
The “Phuket Sandbox” has also been a factor. Since its launch on July 1 until September 22, 2021, a total of 35,437 overseas travelers and 540,490 booked room nights were recorded. For vaccinated travelers, “Phuket Sandbox” has been extended to a more flexible “Phuket Sandbox 7+7” that allows for quarantine-free travel to the neighboring provinces of Krabi, Phang-nga and Surat Thani (Samui) after a seven-day stay in Phuket. As of September 22, the vaccination rate among Phuket residents has reached 84% (two doses).
Since September 1, the Thai government has been easing restrictions on travel and group activities. The domestic flights in and out of Bangkok are restarting operation, while gatherings of up to 25 persons in Bangkok and up to 100 in Phuket are now allowed. Dining-in, foot massage and beauty salon services have also resumed.
Several infrastructure projects that will facilitate MICE have also been completed recently: the subway connection to the historic quarter of Bangkok’s Chinatown, and the electric commuter train service linking Don Mueang Airport and the new Bang Sue Grand Station. The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) has also confirmed its re-opening in September 2022 when the revamp currently underway to boost its total area to 280,000 sqm is completed.