Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, stated that TCEB is rolling out a policy this year to elevate Thailand’s festivals into a key driver of economic growth and make Thailand a premier festival destination. This policy aligns with the national strategic plan to leverage cultural capital to boost the economy. Previously, festivals served to briefly promote the domestic economy. The current approach signifies a shift towards using festivals as platforms to expand business opportunities, catering to high-spending attendees seeking specific events and unique experiences. The focus will position Thailand as a top festival destination.
Towards this goal, three key pillars will be implemented to create a ‘Constructive Ecosystem’ for the organization of festivals:
1. Bidding for and securing world-class events like International Horticultural Expo 2029 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Formula E race in Chiang Mai, and proposing Thailand to host the WorldPride event. These efforts align with the government’s policy in positioning Thailand as the global festival stage. This will create a network for Thai manpower in Soft Sector as it will provide a platform for them to participate and get inspiration while generating economic benefits.
2. Supporting business festivals in a way that the festivals are not mere gatherings but platforms for business opportunities that will help grow industry in several sectors. Festivals will thus open doors for new generation and innovative ideas, elevating personnel standards, and simultaneously building an ecosystem within the industry.
3. Festival Academy, which has been ongoing for three years and will continue to empower partner associations and elevate their members’ capabilities. For example, the Festival Creative Lab provides a platform for nationwide festival organizers to share experiences, get inspiration, form network both domestically and globally.
“Festivals are more than just entertainment platforms; they are essential tools for strengthening the growth and sustainability of the entertainment industry.”
“These three pillars are essential for TCEB to reshape the landscape and establish a festival ecosystem in Thailand aligned with global standards. It entails enhancing the country’s reputation through event biddings, creating business elements in organising festivals, creating added value for Thailand’s exceptional content, and enhancing personnel capabilities for global competition,” said Mr Chiruit.
Mr. Attaphol Jayadat, President of the Thailand Entertainment Creators Network Association (TECNA), said, “Festivals are more than just entertainment platforms; they are essential tools for supporting and strengthening the growth and sustainability of the entertainment industry. Organizing festivals provides opportunities for content creators to showcase talents, contributing to entertainment industry promotion and development. Moreover, festivals offer networking opportunities and skill enhancement for industry manpower, driving sustainable growth and gaining recognition from the global market.”
The festival policy announcement aims to elevate Thailand’s festival sector, positioning it as a global hub for top-tier festivals. This initiative builds on TCEB’s collaboration with cities, communities, organizers, and partner associations including Thailand International Events and Festivals Trade Association (TIEFA), the Thai Mass Participation Sports Trade Association (TMPSA), the Thailand Entertainment Creators Network Association (TECNA), and the Contemporary Art & Culture Industry Promotion Trade Association (CAPT), spanning arts, culture, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, and innovation. TCEB has sponsored more than 100 festivals, greatly benefiting Thailand’s economy with over 50 billion baht in the past five years.
TCEB also plans to support over 30 more festivals, aiming to attract 2.3 million travellers, comprising both Thai and international participants. These events are expected to generate economic benefits of at least 3.6 billion baht and contribute over 5.8 billion baht to Thailand’s GDP.
To find out more, go to www.businesseventsthailand.com.
