NEW DIRECTION
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) appointed Anusak Inthraphuvasak as its new chairman last month. Anusak’s first task was to appoint Akapol Sorasuchart as the bureau’s new president, filling a seven-month vacancy.

Akapol plans to capitalise on the industry’s newly recognised importance by collaborating with key government units and industry groups to push for policy and regulatory improvements to resurrect Thailand’s status as a major MICE destination.

“TCEB has been working hard to liaise closely and constantly with other government agencies to streamline procedures and regulations for MICE operators and international visitors,” says Akapol. “Clearly, a coherent, unified approach will allow more effective use of government budgets as well as a greater impact for our international promotional efforts.

“Most importantly, close consultation with individual MICE operators as well as professional bodies, will help us be more responsive to industry’s needs, and maximise the relevance and impact of our industry support programmes and campaigns.”

THAI TEAM
A relaunched public-private sector partnership, known as Thai Team, has been charged with generating practical and long-term benefits to improve confidence. Thailand’s business events industry hopes this will boost cooperation, which has been a key issue in the past.

Members include Thai Airways, the Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which recently promoted Suraphon Svetasreni as its new governor, following an eight-month vacancy. Thai Team’s private sector representative, the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), also announced a new president in August, Sumate Sudasna.

MAXIMIZE OVERHAUL           
The bureau is also reviewing its newly launched Thailand Maximize financial subsidy package following domestic criticism and a mixed response from the global events industry.

“The private sector hopes the scheme will help with decision-making more than helping to finance groups that are already heading to Thailand,” says Sudasna. “I don't believe it will do very much to stir arrivals. I do not think subvention is a wise solution for business-related events, which are planned with specific objectives and usually built in budget. Another question is what parties who receive support can expect after the slump is over and business returns.”

Several DMCs have also commented on the difficulty of securing funding reimbursements, which is creating widespread tension and preventing a unified response to key challenges.

NEW AGENDA
“Looking at current global trends, I feel this MICE is an emerging business sector with the potential to generate up to 15-25 per cent annual growth and US$1.5 billion in income with 500,000 MICE visitors annually,” says Akapol.

“Specific priorities for TCEB itself will include human resources development, fostering creativity in the industry, promoting investment in MICE venues and infrastructure, and encouraging government and private agencies to bid to host more international conferences, seminars and exhibitions. We are currently finalising a three-year medium term plan as well as a seven-year long term plan to address these priorities.”

TCEB recently established designated immigration lanes at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which are open to all delegates of registered MICE events. Recent infrastructure development announcements include an international convention centre for Phuket and a new hotel at IMPACT convention centre.

However, local industry figures believe it will require more than new facilities to remain competitive on the international stage. Thailand’s neighbours are among some of the best emerging MICE destinations and the rapid professionalisation of the region’s event capabilities mean major challenges lay ahead.

Expectations on the new team are high, and early signs show a commitment to addressing long-standing issues.

“TCEB has to adjust its performance indicators and monitoring system to provide a clear, effective and practical working environment, and build staff motivation and commitment,” says Akapol.