Thailand’s “New High” in Global Convention Destination Ranking Country Bouncing to 1st in ASEAN, 5th in Asia Pacific. Bangkok Rising to World’s 7th Spot and APAC’s Top 3 Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket Remain Strong, 9 More Cities Emerging in Ranking Table

May 20, 2025: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has announced the release of the 2024 ICCA Ranking Report at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, showing Thailand's impressive ascent in the international conference landscape. A selected host destination of a total of 158 international conferences in 2024, an increase from 143 in 2023, Thailand has moved from the 26th to the 25th in the world rankings, securing the 5th place in the Asia Pacific and claiming the number 1 spot in the ASEAN region. Bangkok, meanwhile, rises to the 7th place in the world and the 3rd in the Asia Pacific.

The comprehensive report analyzes data from over 11,000 conferences held globally in 2024, highlighting Asia’s prominent status as the second most popular region for international meetings, following Europe. Thailand has now emerged as a robust contender with 158 ICCA-qualified meetings, solidifying its global standing. Among 160 countries, Thailand ranked 25th globally, 5th in Asia Pacific, and 1st in ASEAN or the Southeast Asian region.

In a remarkable achievement in the City Category, Bangkok has soared to the 7th position among more than 1,500 cities worldwide, becoming the third most popular city for international conferences in Asia with 115 events hosted. Chiang Mai continues to hold its ground as Thailand's second most favoured conference city, hosting 12 conferences, while Pattaya hosted 10 and Phuket 8, making both cities remain key players in attracting global meetings. What is noteworthy and encouraging for Thailand is that the report has identified new potential cities of Thailand for ranking enhancement as they hosted ICCA-qualified conferences in 2024. These cities are Chon Buri (3 conferences), Chiang Rai (2), Pathum Thani (2), Hua Hin (1), Khon Kaen (1), Koh Samui (1), Nakhon Ratchasima (1), Nonthaburi (1), and Pattani (1). Thus, a total of 13 Thai cities have made their names listed in the 2024 ICCA Ranking Report.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayutthaya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, expressed satisfaction for the accomplishment of city destinations: “It is exceedingly gratifying to see Thailand and its key MICE cities recognized on the global stage by the ICCA, a premier MICE organization. With 15 more ICCA-qualified events than last year, Thailand is firmly placed among the top 5 in Asia and claims the number one destination in ASEAN. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bangkok for breaking its record and achieving 7th place globally, up from 10th in 2018. This success reflects the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the Thai MICE industry in enhancing our cities’ capabilities and global visibility.”

Mr. Isarangkun continued, “The emergence of new cities in the ICCA Ranking, such as  Nakhon Ratchasima and Pattani, is a positive indicator of Thailand’s vast potential and capabilities for maximisation. TCEB is dedicated to collaborating with all relevant sectors to feature richer choices of meeting locations and to further elevate Thailand into a high-value destination on the world stage.”

For more information on the ICCA Rankings 2024, please visit www.iccaworld.org  

To learn more about conventions in Thailand, contact the TCEB Conventions Department at c@tceb.or.th