Why Thailand

Streamlined services are essential for the international MICE traveller, and TCEB is focused on providing the very best in services and support for the MICE industry which has the added benefit of promoting the good image of Thailand as the key MICE destination in Asia. Such distinctive and impressive services to welcome international MICE travellers are key reasons that so many MICE organisers choose to hold their events in Thailand.

1. Information services on applying for, and obtaining, a visa before travelling. 
2. Establishing a ‘MICE Lane’ as a special immigration service channel at the airport.
3. Visa on Arrival service
4. Health Control checkpoint at the airport
5. TCEB Information Centre counter near Baggage Carousel #18 to provide information and assistance to incoming MICE travellers.
6. Facilitating the installation of MICE-event signage at the airport. Services are provided in co-operation with Immigration Bureau and Airports Authority of Thailand Public Co. Ltd.

TCEB currently provides an exclusive MICE Lane offering immigration assistance at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airports. The TCEB services at the two airports include information and assistance with its counter attended 24 hours a day. In response to government policy, TCEB plans to develop and increase its MICE Lane services in the 2024 fiscal year (October 2023 – September 2024) to five airports - Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani - adding further value to Thailand’s hosting of international exhibitions and conventions. The services provided can be split into three categories: 

1. Special groups of visitors (VVIP) including host nation VIPs, CEOs, top leaders of conferences and international trade fairs.
2. VIP visitors including event management delegates, or key executives of companies participating in events.
3. Event delegates and participants.

Further, the government’s new visa-free policy is expected to lead to an increase in MICE visitors over the coming five months, especially those coming from China. China ranks third in the list of total numbers of travellers to Thailand, and 35,000 Chinese MICE travellers are expected to enter the kingdom during that period, with not less than 3,500 of those visitors making use of the MICE Lane services. These numbers will help generate additional income for the country and further stimulate the economy through the first quarter of 2024. 

2. Thai-Chinese Visa Exemption Agreement

The mutual visa exemption agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the government of the People’s Republic of China for holders of ordinary and semi-official passports came into effect on 1 March 2024. Under the agreement, Thai holders of ordinary passports and Chinese holders of ordinary, and semi-official passports are exempt from visa requirements when entering, exiting, or transiting through each party’s territory. Each visa-exempt entry is valid for a period of not more than 30 days, and multiple stays must not exceed more than 90 days within a 180-day period. The exemptions do not apply to permanent residency, employment, education, and media or other activities that required prior approval from the relevant authorities in the respective countries. The arrangement facilitates travel and strengthens ties between the two countries and promotes easier tourist and short-term business travel, while ensuring that longer-term stays are properly regulated. 

On 30 October 2023, the Thai cabinet resolved to temporarily exempt visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports (including travel documents) from India and Taiwan, allowing them to stay for a period of not more than 30 days. This temporary measure is effective from 10 November 2023 until 10 May 2024. 

The measure aligns with the Thai government’s policy to promote tourism, and is timed specifically for Indian and Taiwanese nationals for a period of six months during the peak tourism season starting on 30 November 2023.