Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, and it is easy to see why. It is rich in culture and history as well as the home to stunning landscapes and exciting cities. While many of its visitors are coming just to enjoy these things and have a good time, there are lots who come for events such as conferences, seminars, and weddings too.
In fact, event hosting, and corporate or ‘MICE’ events in particular, are a burgeoning industry for the country. This blog will take a look at why Thailand has become so popular in this regard, as well as some of the challenges of planning events there.
The benefits of hosting events in Thailand
Thailand has a lot to offer those who hold their events there. The following are some of the most important reasons why people choose the Kingdom.
Variety of settings and locations
Thailand is a diverse country where sprawling urban metropolises and charming historical cities can be found alongside rainforests and idyllic white-sand beaches. This means you can find a great, unique location for any event, whether that’s a small hotel holding seminars in Ayutthaya, the historic capital, or one of Bangkok’s enormous halls for an industry-wide conference.
Cost-effectiveness
Thailand is well-known as a top destination for digital nomads, and this in large part due to its very low cost of living. This also makes it a very attractive destination for events, since services, venue hire, accommodation, food, and other amenities are considerably cheaper than they are in many other countries.
Excellent hospitality
Hospitality industry workers in Thailand have a well-earned reputation for professionalism, attention to detail, problem-solving, and all-round great service. As the country advances its plan to become a MICE hub, they have gained experience in planning and hosting many different types of events.
The challenges of hosting in Thailand
Since the country is trying to support its MICE industry, there aren’t too many challenges to planning events there. But nowhere is perfect. These are the things you will want to be prepared for.
Obtaining permits
Depending on the type of event you are planning, you might need to get a permit from the Thai authorities. This can require considerable paperwork and be quite time-consuming. Many people delegate this to local event planners who have experience obtaining them.
Unexpected severe weather
The sunny tropical climate is one of Thailand’s big benefits, until suddenly it’s not. The weather is pretty consistent, but during the rainy season, it can change quickly from bright sunshine to severe thunderstorms. This is something to bear in mind if you’re planning an outdoor event.
Conclusion
Holding an event in Thailand should be an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved. The country has plenty of things going for it as a destination, and we haven’t even mentioned the amazing food! While there are a couple of challenges to consider, there is nothing that can’t be overcome with a bit of careful planning, preparation for contingencies, and perhaps some local expertise.
