Why Thailand

(JAN24) New Experiences

MICE travellers from around the world come to Thailand to experience the essence of Thailand, a destination that meets the desires of both business travel and tourism (Bleisure) in its 10 unique MICE cities: Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Songkhla. Many other locations have the potential to join this list including Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Sri Thammarat, with new experiences offered by these cities expanding the range of creative MICE experiences available for training and seminars, incentive programmes, international conferences and conventions, trade shows and exhibitions, mega events and festivals, social and environmental activities, CSR and team building. Other new experiential activities in local communities across the country also allow MICE travellers to learn about, and immerse themselves in, the unforgettable Thailand experience.

1. Seasonal Events, Festivals & Exhibitions

Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023 (Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023 (9 December 2023 - 30 April 2024)

The third edition of this international contemporary art fair highlights Thai artists and the development of the country’s art scene on the world stage. The latest event was held in Chiang Rai with a focus on the location’s historical context from the ancient city of Chiang Saen to modern-day Chiang Rai under the banner of “The Open World”. More than 60 exhibitions from Thai and foreign artists were displayed at 30 key locations throughout the city, including the Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Gallery, Wat Rong Khun, Ban Suan Somphong, Ban Dum Museum, Wat Pa Sak, and Chiang Saen Museum. An open house for local artists was also held offering the opportunity for visitors to meet the creators of the works on display.

More Information: https://www.thailandbiennale.org

Bangkok Design Week 2024 (27 January – 4 February 2024)

Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) aims to showcase design and creative ideas, presenting new ideas and possibilities from within the city. The festival explores current and future concepts through creative work that ranges from the experimental to works with business and social impacts. Works are displayed in urban spaces, in “Creative Economy Districts” blending harmoniously with the charm of Bangkok. Fun activities and memorable experiences are everywhere for the city’s citizens and foreign visitors to enjoy. BKKDW is presented under three main concepts: City & Living, Well-being & Gastronomy, and Creative Business.

More Information: https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/about

Thailand Industrial Fair 2024 (31 January – 3 February 2024)

Held at BITEC Bangna, the Thailand Industrial Fair 2024 showcases six industrial zones: machinery, automation systems, warehousing and logistics, the digital industry, industrial supplies, and solar rooftop systems. The event features displays of modern technology, and quality industrial products at exclusive event-related discounts. Exhibitors will be presenting the very latest in technology, products, and services. The event also features free seminar programmes featuring gurus and experts from more than 50 leading organisations offering insights on current trends and investment opportunities.

More Information: https://www.thailandindustrialfair.com

2. New Places

Riverdale Marina

Riverdale Marina is an A-class marina that meets international standards. It provides a link for water and land tourism leading to a gated community that meets all the needs of the Riverdale District project. That project is a mini city and includes luxury residences in the Riverdale Residence project, Park Riverdale 2, Riverdale Golf Club, Bangkok Golf Club, the Tinidee Hotel, the Nine Centre shopping centre, Tiwanon Modern Lifestyle Community Mall, and more. The Riverdale Marina is the largest outdoor waterfront event space in the Chao Phraya River basin and aims to be the premier outdoor event destination. The marina is the recipient of the International Clean Marina Award, an award that guarantees conservation and environmental concerns as a priority. It also received TMVS: Thailand MICE Venue Standards certification in the Special Events category from TCEB in 2023.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/riverdalemarina.bangkok/

Central Westville

This eco-friendly shopping centre is a new landmark in the Rachaphruek area of Bangkok. Comprising more than 93,000 square metres, the modern Central Westville is much more than just a department store, it is a prototype for a new kind of shopping centre – an eco-conscious West-ination – that seamlessly connects every dimension of modern life. The environmental and pet-friendly mall boasts more than 300 top retail outlets carrying a curated portfolio of over 700 leading brands from around the globe.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestville

editor image

Credit Phot : Central Westville Pages

Pupha Mahanatee, a public park in the heart of the city

Situated on more than 10 acres, this new public park is an extension of Queen Sirikit Park in the centre of Bangkok, and the concept for its creation came from the words of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother - that idea being using forest conservation as a design concept, creating a full forest eco-system within the area and using it as a learning resource about the livelihoods of people who depend on the forest. The park offers a range of facilities and activities including a space to teach reforestation, rest areas, walking trails for the study of cultivated plants, a bird-watching tower, outdoor activities area, playground, observation tower, and more.

3. Foods

Grilled Pork (Moo Krata)

This dish is well and truly part of Thai culture. The family-friendly dish is popular for special occasions because of its great flavour, and ease of preparation and consumption for large groups. Simply grilled and served with a delicious dipping sauce, it’s an affordable treat that can be found in restaurants all across Thailand. Its growing popularity has been assisted by appearances on popular TV dramas like “Love Destiny” and “Love Destiny 2”, and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn “Ong Ing” Shinawatra is planning to push moo krata as another Thai soft power item.

Omelette with Rice

The Thai omelette with rice is a very popular dish in kitchens and restaurants across Thailand. It’s easy to prepare, easy to eat, and can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, including variations such as adding minced pork, shrimp, chillies, scallions, etc. Thai omelettes can be made thick and fluffy, or golden and crispy, and are often served either with chilli sauce or as a side to a stir-fried basil dish. The dish’s global popularity received a boost when Lisa from Blackpink showed off her skills making her favourite minced shrimp omelette in celebration of receiving the Spotify award for achieving more than one billion streams on the streaming platform.

Coconut Milk Ice Cream

A popular dessert with Thais and foreigners alike, coconut milk ice cream is made from coconut milk squeezed from coconut meat. It’s aromatic, creamy, full of flavour, and can be eaten in a cup, a coconut shell, or between slices of bread as Lisa from Blackpink recently showed when she indulged in some coconut milk ice cream to celebrate the group’s one billion streams on the Spotify platform. It can be paired with a range of tasty Thai-style side dishes including fragrant sticky rice, candied fruit, candied nuts, chewy grass jelly, roasted peanuts, or crispy roasted golden beans for some extra crunch.