Thailand is moving up the value chain as it launches the Thailand 4.0 Economic Policy. Thailand 4.0 seeks to improve the connectivity between major cities in Thailand through mega infrastructure and smart technology projects. A flagship project under Thailand 4.0 policy and Thailand’s 20-year National Strategy is the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The EEC, comprising three eastern provinces of Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, expects investments of US$43 billion over the next five years in 10 targeted industries.

The EEC could be seen as part of the One Belt One Road trade and economic initiative by China to connect Asia, Europe and Africa through the land and sea routes. Hence, the business opportunities can be immense.

What benefits are there for Convention and Incentive groups now?

Pattaya, already a world renowned seaside resort for business events and leisure tourism, is set to flourish under Thailand 4.0. Pattaya is a city in the province of Chonburi, a part of the EEC. For a start, the ferry service between Pattaya and Hua Hin, a royal heritage resort town, has just been launched this year. This ferry ride across the Gulf of Thailand cuts travel time between the two popular convention and incentive group destinations to 1.5-2 hours, from what would have been a 5.5 hours bus ride along the coast. 

Pattaya and Hua Hin, together with Bangkok, now forms a formidable golden triangle of MICE destinations, each with vastly different character.

What’s in it for Conference and Exhibition organizers in the next five years?

The EEC plans to attract investments in 10 targeted industries, including:

•Next-generation automotive

•Smart Electronics

•Affluent medical and wellness tourism

•Agriculture and biotechnology

•Food innovation

•Industry and lifestyle robotics

•Aerospace

•Logistics and aviation

•Biofuels and biochemical

•Digital and medical services

This opens up opportunities for event organizers to develop conferences and exhibitions based on the above industry themes. These events would be excellent platforms for Thailand to promote the EEC initiatives, as well as for respective industry leaders to share knowledge and explore business potential in these areas.

How else would Thailand’s MICE industry benefit in the next 10 to 20 years?

MICE organizers can look forward to even better connectivity to Pattaya and the EEC region via air, sea and land. The expansion of the U-Tapao Airport with a second runway and second passenger terminal will usher in a new wave of business and leisure visitors to Thailand.

Several planned sea ports are expected to cater to import-export trade for the region, but in particular, the future Sattahip Commercial Sea Port will boost Cruise tourism for both leisure and MICE visitors.

Also in the works are high-speed and double track railways connecting Bangkok and cities and ports in the EEC region, providing faster and more transport options for tourists and MICE visitors.  New highways and roads in the region will also be developed.

Finally, the establishment of eco-cities following the Smart City model will generate benefits for the MICE industry in the future.

Thailand 4.0 inspires and encourages business activities and this in turn makes the country a destination for meetings linked to trade, development, technology and research.

Look out for reviews of the ferry service and new venues in Pattaya, Hua Hin and Bangkok in MICEreview in the coming weeks!

For more information on EEC and tax incentives, visit: www.eeco.or.th

For MICE information and support in Thailand, visit: www.tceb.or.th