Thailand Expands MICE City Network to 16 Destinations

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has certified six new destinations across the country as official “MICE Cities”, a network that is now expanded to 16 destinations. It is a network that gives event organizers and international clients a wide choice of destinations, while enabling more cities across Thailand to leverage MICE as a driver of local economic development. The latest 2026 MICE City assessment resulted in two key outcomes. Three existing MICE Cities – Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Udon Thani – successfully renewed their MICE City certification, while six new destinations – Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Rayong, Hua Hin–Cha-am, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat – were newly certified as MICE Cities. This move is anticipated to foster the decentralization of Thailand's economy and stimulate industries beyond tourism, particularly in the service sector and infrastructure development. The attraction of MICE events is expected to bring direct economic benefits to a diverse range of local industries, including hospitality, transportation, and the food and beverage sector. Moreover, hosting international events can contribute to enhancing the global profile of these cities. Thailand has been grappling with sluggish economic growth, registering only around 2% GDP growth, and lagging behind its regional counterparts. Structural issues such as an aging demographic and high household debt have been identified as immediate concerns, highlighting the need for new economic growth engines. The expansion of the MICE city network is thus seen as a strategic step by the Thai government to address these challenges and promote sustainable economic development. Information Source: Hua Hin Today