BANGKOK: Thailand has expanded its nationwide network of certified MICE Cities to 16 destinations with the addition of six new locations, strengthening the country’s capacity to host international meetings, conventions, exhibitions and other business events. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the government agency responsible for promoting and developing Thailand’s business events industry, announced the certification of Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Rayong, Hua Hin–Cha-am, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat as new MICE Cities. The announcement was made on September 23 following a nationwide assessment conducted in mid-September by experts from the public and private sectors. According to TCEB, the assessment examined eight key areas and 32 indicators, including accessibility and connectivity, event support, accommodation and facilities, venue standards, city image and reputation, safety and risk management, as well as pre- and post-event activities. Three existing MICE Cities—Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Udon Thani—also successfully renewed their certification. TCEB President Dr. Supawan Teerarat said the expansion was aimed not only at increasing the number of destinations available to international event organizers but also at enabling local economies to benefit from the growing MICE industry. She said each destination has its own distinctive “Destination DNA”, which can be developed into meaningful business-event experiences while generating wider economic opportunities. The newly certified destinations offer a diverse range of economic, cultural and geographical strengths. Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, is known for its coffee and tea production, creative arts, multicultural heritage and mountainous landscapes. Its location close to Laos and Myanmar also gives it significance within the wider Mekong region. Ubon Ratchathani in northeastern Thailand is recognized for its cultural heritage, traditional Candle Festival and Mekong River landscapes. TCEB describes the province as a gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion, with daily air links to Bangkok.Rayong, on Thailand’s eastern coast, has a particularly strong economic and industrial profile. Located within the Eastern Economic Corridor, the province is home to export-oriented industries, foreign investment and deep-sea ports. It is connected to Bangkok by motorway and has access to U-Tapao International Airport, which is being developed as part of the wider Eastern Aviation City project. Hua Hin–Cha-am offers a coastal business-events destination on the Gulf of Thailand, around 2.5 hours by road from Bangkok. The area combines hotels and event venues with heritage, community and leisure attractions, while Hua Hin Airport provides scope for future international connectivity. Krabi, on the Andaman coast, combines its internationally recognized natural environment with modern accommodation and event facilities. The destination also offers opportunities for visitors and MICE groups to engage with local communities and experience regional culture. Nakhon Si Thammarat, in southern Thailand, combines historical and cultural heritage with coastal and mountainous landscapes. The province has important agricultural and fisheries sectors and is known for local produce, while also serving as a transport hub for southern Thailand. TCEB said the international presence of some of the newly certified destinations was already reflected in the ICCA Statistical Report. Chiang Rai, Rayong and Nakhon Si Tham arat were recorded in the ICCA 2025 Statistical Report, while Hua Hin appeared in the 2024 edition. Going forward, TCEB plans to focus on three major areas: infrastructure and connectivity, development of destination-specific MICE content, and strengthening local MICE ecosystems. The bureau said it would work with individual destinations to develop program based on their distinctive local identities and experiences, while promoting sustainable event management through the Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard (TSEMS). TCEB will also seek to strengthen networks of local MICE entrepreneurs and connect them with government support in an effort to increase meetings, seminars and other business events outside Thailand’s traditional destinations. With the latest additions, Thailand’s 16 certified MICE Cities are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya (Chonburi), Khon Kaen, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Phitsanulok, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Rayong, Hua Hin–Cha-am, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat.TCEB was established in 2004 as a public organisation under the supervision of the Prime Minister and is responsible for promoting, supporting and developing Thailand’s business events sector, including corporate meetings, incentive travel, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals.The next MICE City renewal assessment is scheduled for 2027 and will cover Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khon Kaen.
