Q: What is the perception of Thailand/Bangkok as an Exhibition destination?

Singapore: The current perception of exhibitors, visitors and organizers is that Bangkok is a relatively good destination primarily for its very competitive rates for almost everything compared to its neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. This includes hotel accommodation, transportation and exhibition space / hall rental.

The main concerns currently are political and social instability, which are a possible deterrent, and the H1N1 virus. However, the latter will discourage travelling generally, not just to Thailand but any country.

Vietnam: The general perception of those active in the exhibition industry is that Bangkok is a nice, accessible destination with a strategic location in Asia that reinforces Bangkok as the biggest and most important market place in the region. State-of-the-art venues and facilities, transportation to the exhibition halls, and range of accommodation from budget to luxurious make Bangkok an attractive Exhibition destination.

On the other hand, Thailand and Vietnam are neighboring countries with similar products and export items vying in the existing regional market. Because of this, Vietnamese enterprises prefer to expand their business networks to the western hemisphere. Other current concerns are the political uncertainties and demonstrations in Thailand, giving concerns over possibly being stuck in the country, and the worldwide H1N1 outbreak.

Q. What are the potential industries in your area for attending/ organizing exhibitions in Thailand?

Singapore: Industries that would have potential for Singapore companies and visitors
are: Food, hotels, machinery, automotive, travel, IT, animation graphics, beauty / spa and wellness, gifts, electronics, energy / oil & gas, security / defense, telecommunications / infocomm, furniture, retail sourcing, aviation / aerospace, jewelry.

Vietnam: Food & food processing, electronics, electrical, automation, garments & textiles, hotels & tourism, plastics, packaging, handicrafts, wood & wood processing, agriculture, logistics, metalworking, gems & jewelry, franchising, construction, oil & gas, automobiles.

Q. Are your clients aware of the quality of Thailand’s exhibition infrastructure, including venues and organizers, and the business opportunities available in Thailand, especially providing access to the ASEAN market ?

Singapore: Generally, clients are pretty much aware that Thailand does provide immense opportunities as a central location to engage the ASEAN countries and other Asian countries. Most who have exhibited in Bangkok agree that Thailand's exhibition venues are of high quality. Accessibility to the exhibition halls is very convenient, thanks to efficient mass transit services that beat the traffic jams during peak hours for visitors and exhibitors alike.

The exhibition organizers provide good services in their marketing efforts to deliver quality visitors. Their staff ensures impeccable services for exhibitors, whose feedback is always very positive.

Vietnam: The basic perception of clients is Bangkok exhibitions have the ability to attract buyers from all over the world, especially the countries of ASEAN and the region. As Bangkok is the most important stop-over in the ASEAN region for the majority of international airlines, accessibility is extremely convenient. Exhibitors and visitors who have experienced Bangkok exhibitions have no doubt about the international standard of facilities for the MICE industry, such as exhibition halls, convention centers, etc.

The diversity of entertainment and cultural heritage remain strong attractions for visitors. People enjoy the ability to use mass transit trains to the exhibition halls, international hotels, and state-of-the-art venue facilities. Organizers are very efficient in recruiting exhibitors and visitors, and always competent and professional.