Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Thailand’s position in the international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry has reached a new pinnacle.
According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 Global Ranking Report announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025—Thailand recorded its highest-ever performance in the international conventions sector.
With 158 ICCA-qualified meetings in 2024, up from 143 the previous year, the country rose from 26th to 25th globally, 5th in Asia-Pacific, and 1st in ASEAN.
This achievement underscores Thailand’s growing appeal as a host for high-profile international conferences and professional events.
At the heart of this rise is Bangkok, the country’s bustling capital, which has ascended to 7th place globally in city rankings, also securing 3rd position in the Asia-Pacific region.
These figures reflect not only the success of major cities but also the emergence of secondary Thai destinations as new players on the MICE map.
Thailand’s Ascent: A Regional and Global Perspective
The ICCA ranking report, which tracked over 11,000 international meetings in 2024 across 160 countries and 1,500 cities, recognized Thailand as a rising star in global MICE.
According to the ICCA’s public ranking data, Thailand surpassed regional competitors such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam in terms of the number of ICCA-qualifying events.
With these 158 conferences, Thailand secured 1st place among ASEAN nations, affirming its role as a regional MICE leader.
This outcome reflects the country’s increasing competitiveness in Asia’s lucrative business events sector and complements ongoing efforts by Thailand’s government and tourism bodies to establish the country as a high-value global destination.
Bangkok’s Meteoric Rise: From Regional Hub to Global Player
Bangkok hosted a remarkable 115 ICCA-qualified international meetings in 2024, placing it 7th globally among over 1,500 cities, up from its previous global rank. In the Asia-Pacific region, Bangkok now ranks 3rd, trailing only behind major hubs like Seoul and Tokyo.
As Thailand’s capital and economic epicenter, Bangkok has long been known for its vibrant culture and hospitality. However, its ascension in the global convention scene is now backed by tangible infrastructure: purpose-built venues like the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) and IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, five-star accommodation, world-class connectivity, and dynamic leisure offerings.
According to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)—the national body responsible for MICE promotion—Bangkok’s performance aligns with a long-term vision to transform the city into a regional center for knowledge exchange, innovation, and international business.
The Rise of Secondary Cities: Thailand’s Nationwide MICE Expansion
One of the most significant insights from the ICCA 2024 rankings is the growing participation of Thailand’s regional cities in hosting international events. Beyond Bangkok, Chiang Mai—Thailand’s cultural northern hub—hosted 12 conferences, maintaining its status as the country’s second MICE city.
Other notable performers include:
- Pattaya – 10 meetings hosted
- Phuket – 8 meetings
- Chon Buri – 3 meetings
- Chiang Rai, Pathum Thani – 2 meetings each
- Hua Hin, Khon Kaen, Koh Samui, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Pattani – 1 meeting each
In total, 13 Thai cities were listed in the ICCA’s 2024 rankings—a strong indication of the country’s expanding MICE footprint beyond traditional tourism destinations. This growth highlights the effectiveness of decentralization strategies being implemented by TCEB and related government agencies.
These emerging cities benefit from upgrades in transport, new venues, airport expansion, and increased cooperation between local governments and MICE organizers.
Factors Behind Thailand’s Success
1. Strategic Government Support
Thailand’s advancement in the ICCA rankings can be attributed in large part to proactive national policies. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), under the Prime Minister’s Office, has consistently rolled out policies and incentives aimed at attracting international meetings.
Programs such as “Thailand MICE Cities” and “Meet in Thailand” provide financial grants, training for local MICE professionals, and marketing support to attract associations and global organizers.
TCEB’s promotional efforts have focused on Thailand’s strengths in medical, energy, sustainability, tech, and agriculture sectors—positioning the country as a venue for knowledge-driven global conferences.
2. Investment in Infrastructure
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, continued investments in air and rail transport have enhanced the accessibility of MICE cities. Airports in Chiang Mai, U-Tapao (serving Pattaya), and Phuket are being upgraded, while Bangkok remains one of the best-connected cities in Southeast Asia.
Convention centers in regional cities like Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC) and PEACH in Pattaya have helped diversify hosting capabilities across the nation.
3. Hospitality and Tourism Integration
The combination of Thai hospitality, cuisine, culture, and leisure attractions makes Thailand a uniquely attractive destination for MICE travelers. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), international MICE visitors contribute significantly more per capita than general leisure tourists, making the sector economically valuable.
Thailand’s Future Outlook in Global MICE
The ICCA ranking not only serves as a badge of honor but also presents Thailand with a platform to aim higher. With global interest in Asia rising, Thailand is strategically positioned to absorb much of this demand.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya noted in a recent press release that Thailand’s “richer choices of meeting destinations, rising infrastructure standards, and focus on sustainability” would be critical in achieving future goals.
The target is to climb into the Top 20 globally and retain ASEAN leadership by 2026.
Ongoing collaborations with ASEAN neighbors, local municipalities, private hotels, and airlines are part of the country’s “One Thailand, One MICE Vision” program—an inclusive strategy to ensure broad-based MICE sector development.
Economic Impact
According to Thailand’s Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the MICE sector contributes around 200 billion baht (~USD 5.5 billion) annually to the Thai economy. The sector supports over 400,000 jobs in hospitality, transport, event planning, and catering.
Thailand’s improved ICCA performance is likely to increase direct revenue and generate further investment, especially in secondary cities.
These developments align with the government’s Thailand 4.0 policy, which promotes knowledge industries, innovation, and high-value tourism.
Conclusion
Thailand’s performance in the ICCA 2024 Global Rankings is a testament to its maturing role as a global MICE leader. From Bangkok’s top 10 world ranking to the emergence of regional cities, the country has successfully transformed itself from a leisure destination to a professional meetings powerhouse.
With Bangkok now among the top 3 cities in Asia-Pacific for international conferences and 13 cities making the ICCA list, Thailand has proven that it is not only ready to host the world—it is already doing so.
Through continued investment, regional development, and cross-sector collaboration, Thailand is on track to become one of the top global destinations for international conventions and meetings in the years to come.
References:
ICCA 2024 Country and City Rankings Report (PDF)
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Ministry of Transport Thailand
NESDC Thailand Economic Data
