Why Thailand

    Thailand is well-known for the “Uniquely Thai” which impresses the international MICE travellers whether it is the unique service and hospitality of people and Thai food. Discover new experiences in the unique way of life in terms of valuable traditions and local culture and plentiful nature. Besides, assorted MICE activities and events are available to fulfill all kinds of demand. It is a rare experience that can be discovered in Thailand only. Moreover, with the efficient provision of the world-class facility to organise MICE events and the diverse concept of the creative organisation under the uniqueness, Thailand is the destination that fulfills all demands for MICE.  

1.  Thainess

•   Patriotism 

Patriotism is love, awareness, and pride in the kingdom of Thailand. Thai people are very conscious of their nationhood, and this is reflected in the support and promotion of Thai nationals who achieve fame and recognition overseas including established stars Lisa from Blackpink, and BamBam from GOT7, plus newcomers like Anntonia Porsild who has shot to prominence by finishing 1st runner up in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant.

•   Interest in Thai traditions 

Thai traditions remain an active and important part of the lives and culture of Thai citizens. This is reflected in the last Loy Krathong festival held in November 2023 where millions of locals, as well as tourists and expatriates, joined celebrations across the country.

•   Belief in mutelu

Thai people’s interest in spiritualism is reflected in the growing interest in “mutelu”. This interest can be seen in the number of people who ask for blessings at famous temples, the worship of sacred objects, the wearing of amulets, seeking out fortune tellers, etc. This trend can further grow beyond Thailand’s shores with faith-based tourism to Thailand becoming more popular and adding a further string to Thailand’s “soft power” bow.

•  Muay Thai 

Muay Thai is a martial art that has existed since ancient times. Fighters employ four parts of the body as weapons: hands (fists), elbows, knees, and feet. The body’s fighting position known as “Mae Mai Muay Thai” is another key element of the sport. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand but its popularity extends far beyond the nation’s borders. It is registered as part of the country’s national cultural heritage, and is being promoted as an example of Thailand’s “soft power” with the potential for enormous economic benefits for the country, whether via live TV broadcasts, live streaming, or through the global sales of Muay Thai shorts, gloves and other related equipment.

•   Korat Cat Pants 

​These pants are made from similar fabric to the famous “elephant pants” but the pattern is distinctively different. The pants originated from a design contest seeking a “Korat Monogram” design that reflected the identity of the province of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), and would add value to sustainable tourism products and services from the area with an identifiable and popular Korat monogram. The contest-winning design featured a cat which is the provincial animal of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prasat Hin Phimai, Chumphon Gate, and the provincial flower a dok san (sarapee). Korat is the first Thai province to create its own provincial pattern. The cat pants have received an overwhelming response from locals and people all across the country. The pants have taken off as another example of soft power like the popular elephant pants, and the viral message of “one province, one pants” has also led to other provinces – like Songkhla with its fisheman’s pants - following the lead in promoting their local culture through trousers.  

•   Pop Icon brand’s 3-D ice cream

These 3-D ice creams come with a pattern representing the identity of a local tourist attraction near where the treats are sold. The first of these ice creams was created with a design based on the tile patterns adorning Phra Prang at Bangkok’s Wat Arun. The response from tourists and locals alike was so strong that the idea was expanded to include other popular destinations including Yaowaraj neighbourhood’s “lucky lion” and green dragon patterns reflecting the Thai-Chinese character of the area. 

Photo credit: Pop Icon page, 3D ice cream

3. Local Community

•   Bang Nam Phueng community, Samut Prakan

This approximately 200-year-old community is located in the Khun Bang Krachao area – an area commonly referred to as the “lungs of Bangkok”. The community is made up of Thais from central Thailand, ethnic Mon, and Chinese. The majority of community members work in agriculture, tending what is called the mixed garden, which features many fruit trees and flowers. As a result the area is alive with bees and an ancient tradition still upheld by the Mon people is to present alms to the monks at Bang Nam Phueng on the night of the 15th full moon in the 10th lunar month each year. It is believed that by doing such, the alms givers will receive great merit. The monks collect the honey and use it for medicinal purposes. The community is a popular tourist attraction for the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market, and is a great location to participate in water-conservation CSR activities. 

•   Ban Lor Yo community, Chiang Rai

The Ban Lor Yo community is located on Doi Mae Salong hill in the Mae Fah Luang district of Chiang Rai. The community comprises a large number of Akha tribespeople who gave the village the name Lor Yo. The community’s way of life, beliefs, and traditions all exist in harmony with their natural surroundings. Visitors can stay at the Ban Din homestay and truly experience the unique food and rituals of the Akha villagers, including learning how to make faeng doi gourd soup or Akha chilli paste, learning the Akha language and the traditions that have been passed down for generations - popular local games include the spinning top mai khao ne, and the Akha Formula car - taking a walking trail into the forest, or picking coffee beans in the community gardens.

Photo credit: Thailandvillageacademy

•   Ban Don Kha community, Khon Kaen

This community boasts a large number of makamong trees which in Isaan language are called bakkha. The community is located on Don hill from which it takes its name. Approximately 200 years old, the community has been awarded first place in the Sufficiency Economy Village Model Project in Khon Kaen province. The community is famous for its cold dyeing technique that uses fermented water to dye fabric. The local mudmee silk features the distinctive Noppakao Chaloem Phrakiat pattern which has been passed down from generation to generation. Ban Don Kha community offers MICE travellers excellent CSR opportunities in learning how to weave and dye fabric, joining activities to help restore and preserve the local forest, and food-tasting workshops sampling such local favourites as bamboo shoot soup, chicken tom yam, som tam, and more.