Tokyo (Japan) – April 30, 2015 – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) today announced the next step in its strategy to strengthen the confidence of Japanese MICE industry players in Thailand. The goal is to position Thailand as a gateway to success in the ASEAN region. The TCEB is leading both global initiatives such as the “Thailand CONNECT The World” and “Thailand’s MICE United II” campaigns and targeted measures for Japan. These include financial grants of up to 1,000,000 baht (approximately 3,000,000 yen) for large corporate groups, per-person incentives for groups conducting business development activities, and comprehensive support for major events.

The statistics office also reported that Thailand welcomed 919,614 business travelers to events between October 2013 and September 2014, contributing more than 80.8 billion baht (297.34 billion yen) to the Thai economy. Of these, 31,373 were Japanese MICE travelers, generating 2.8 billion baht (11.41 billion yen) and making Japan one of Thailand's top ten source countries. This positive trend continued into the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 (October to December 2014): 5,893 Japanese business travelers generated a total of 2.16 billion yen for the Thai economy, representing a 45.76 percent increase in visitors and a 127.81 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous year.

Building on this momentum, Thailand's Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha announced earlier this month the lifting of martial law and its replacement with a new security order under Article 44 of the Provisional Charter. The Thai government pledged to restore democracy after reforms and to exercise its powers responsibly to address pressing national problems.

Ms. Supawan Teerarat, Vice President for Strategic and Business Development at TCEB, commented on the close cooperation between the Thai and Japanese MICE sectors, saying: “As the official flagship body of the Thai government for the MICE sector, we are proud to build on the strong and long-standing relationship between the Thai and Japanese MICE sectors and to showcase Thailand as a gateway to success in ASEAN for Japanese companies.”

A key component of TCEB's activities with Japanese MICE stakeholders is "Thailand CONNECT The World," an integrated campaign highlighting Thailand's unparalleled destinations, business opportunities, and people. Under "Destinations," Thailand's five top cities for business events are showcased, offering countless possibilities both within and beyond the venues. "Business" emphasizes how Thailand, a global leader in various industries, leverages regional integration to provide global perspectives and opportunities for companies seeking success in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (AEC). "People" highlights Thailand's skilled professionals, who impress with their uncomplicated friendliness, warm smiles, and quintessential Thai service, setting industry standards.

“Thailand CONNECT the World highlights how Thailand’s diverse destinations are enhanced by world-class infrastructure and seamless connections, and is a key component of our strategy to strengthen the confidence of Japanese stakeholders in our MICE industry. This is particularly relevant following the recent official lifting of martial law and the significantly improved political environment,” added Ms. Supawan.

The second key initiative is Thailand's MICE United II, a strategic campaign in collaboration with nine public and private organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International PLC, the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, the Bangkok Riverside Marketing Partnership, the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, the Thai Exhibition Association, True Corporation PLC, and Bangkok Mass Transit System PLC. The TCEB recently launched the first activity of Thailand's MICE United II with the introduction of the Thailand CONNECT Welcome Package in partnership with TrueMove H and the BTS Skytrain. The package aims to attract international MICE visitors to Thailand's MICE industry and strengthen Thailand's position as a preferred MICE destination in Asia. The package includes a special Thailand CONNECT Edition BTS Connect SmartPass and a one-hour free Wi-Fi trial of TrueMove H, which offers access to over 100,000 True WiFi hotspots nationwide.

To bring these two core campaigns to life, TCEB has also launched a series of targeted, local promotional campaigns for Japanese stakeholders.

The first offer is a special conference bonus, providing organizers with generous financial subsidies for groups of 200 or more participants traveling to Thailand for corporate meetings and incentive trips lasting at least three nights. Applications can be submitted now until June 30, and the trip must take place before September 30. Groups of 200 or more will receive a subsidy of 100,000 baht (approximately 300,000 yen), larger groups of 500 or more will receive 300,000 baht (approximately 900,000 yen), and groups of 1,000 or more will receive 1,000,000 baht (approximately 3,000,000 yen). Large conferences and incentive trips can also take advantage of the TCEB's "Mega Events…Sustainable Challenge" initiative. With one-off support under the "Once in Thailand" program or step-by-step support under the "Thailand Step Up" program, organizers of groups of 1,000 people or more receive a grant of 1,000,000 Baht (approx. 3,000,000 Yen).

TCEB's "Thailand: An Inspiring Destination" campaign complements this offering and demonstrates how event organizers can enhance their business events through CSR activities. On the beaches of southern Thailand, opportunities include releasing turtles, coral farming, beach cleanups, and seagrass planting. In the mountains of northern Thailand, participants can care for and feed rescued elephants, build dams, or carry out aerial reforestation projects. In Bangkok and the surrounding area, participants can volunteer at schools, read to the blind, clean rivers, or participate in mangrove reforestation.

As part of the "Convene and CONNECT in Thailand" campaign, TCEB offers special incentives for conference organizers and participants. The campaign comprises three core elements: "CONNECT People" promotes networking by optimizing side events and offers cultural support worth 50,000 to 100,000 Baht (approximately 180,000 to 300,000 Yen) for 100 to 300 people, as well as financial support for a cultural event for 300 or more people. "CONNECT Business" supports organizers of events with at least 300 international participants in attracting more attendees from the ASEAN+6 countries. Up to three marketing activities per event are supported, with a maximum of 200,000 Baht (approximately 700,000 Yen) per activity. Finally, CONNECT Destination is offering delegates of all TCEB-supported congresses taking place in Bangkok in 2015 a welcome package that includes a BTS pass and a Wi-Fi connection.

For international trade shows, the TCEB's J-Privilege campaign offers numerous free additional services. The first is CONNECT Business, a program that provides special support for business development activities for trade visitor groups of 10 or more people traveling to Thailand for TCEB-supported international events. To receive the support of US$100 per person, groups must stay for at least three days/two nights and complete a minimum of 30 business development meetings.

The second offering is TCEB's MICE Lane Service, available to visitors of international trade fairs upon arrival at Suvannabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This exclusive five-station VIP service ensures a seamless journey for visitors: from reception on the aircraft apron, through access to a separate entrance and VIP lounge, to the TCEB information desk and even assistance from local police and airport staff.

For organizers of large-scale events, TCEB has launched the "J-Plan...in Thailand" campaign. This offers exclusive deals for Japanese associations, festivals, and organizers who wish to realize a festival or event in Thailand in collaboration with Thai partners. For high-profile events with 10,000 or more domestic and international attendees, TCEB provides comprehensive support. This includes feasibility studies, finding local partners, complimentary flights and accommodation for site visits, facilitating contacts with government and private sector stakeholders, an international promotional program in the ASEAN region, post-event follow-up, and expedited processing at Suvannabhumi Airport.

TCEB also announced its confirmed program of MICE events, which will include Japanese corporate groups such as Fuji Pharma Company Limited, Imagine, Daimatsum, INC Thailand, and Nisshoku Company Limited. Other companies will also be participating in Bangkok Comic Con 2015.

“We are confident that the Thai business events market will continue to grow strongly in 2015 thanks to a combination of our global initiatives, including Thailand CONNECT The World and Thailand’s MICE United II, as well as targeted local initiatives, such as those we are presenting to Japanese stakeholders. Thailand expects 1,036,300 business event attendees in 2015, generating revenue of approximately 106.78 billion baht or 392.95 billion yen,” Ms. Supawan concluded.

About TCEB: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), acting on behalf of the Thai government, is responsible for the development and success of the Thai MICE sector. Founded in 2004, TCEB is committed to growth, higher quality standards, and greater creativity within the industry. TCEB offers comprehensive consulting services and attractive support packages to contribute to the success and productivity of business events in Thailand, including global networking among MICE stakeholders. TCEB strives to create new business opportunities and lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable industry growth.

For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation) Ms. Arisara Thanuplang Tel.: +662 694 6095 Email: [email protected] Mr. Pishnu Plaikaew Tel.: +662 694 6000 Email: [email protected] Ms. Kanokwan Kadeedaeng Tel.: +662 694 6006 Email: [email protected] Ms. Kwanchanok Otton Tel.: +662 694 6096 Email: [email protected]

Contact information: Ms. Sirima Eamtako ([email protected]), Mr. Sunday Treamprom Klinhom ([email protected]), International PR Consultant, Bangkok, Author