Thailand simplifies entry for MICE travelers with new visa measures and enhanced airport services under the “Thailand MICE One Stop Service” initiative by TCEB and its partners.
Thailand simplifies access for MICE travelers with the “Thailand MICE One Stop Service” initiative, jointly announced by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and three alliance organizations. This collaborative effort aims to make Thailand a preferred destination for exhibitions and global festivals.
The initiative was unveiled during a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel. Key representatives included Mr. Worawoot Pongprapapant, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs; Mr. Kerati Kijmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited; Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2; and Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB.
Key Measures for Easier Access
- Visa for MICE
- MICE Visitors (Tourist visa-MICE): 60-day stay, extendable by 30 days.
- MICE Organizers (Non-immigrant B): 90-day stay, extendable for up to one year.
- New Visa Measures
- Visa Exemption: Expanded to 93 countries/territories with stays extended from 30 to 60 days.
- Visa on Arrival: Available for 31 countries, up from 19.
- E-Visa Service: Currently offered at 48 Thai embassies and consulates, with plans to cover all 94 by the end of the year.
- Manpower at Airports
- Additional Staff: 330 officers to assist at checkpoints during peak hours.
- Technology Enhancements
- Automatic Passport Control: New system to process four persons per minute, up from two.
- Thailand Immigration System (TIS) and APPS: Enhanced accuracy and speed in identifying and processing passengers.
- AOT Traveler App: For transport services.
- Special Lane Cooperation
- Special Lanes for MICE Groups: Coordination between AOT and Immigration Division 2 to provide dedicated lanes for MICE travelers.
- MICE Lane Service for VIP
- Current Operation: Available at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.
- Future Expansion: Planned for Phuket and Chiang Mai airports next year, and Udon Thani airport by 2026 for the International Horticultural Expo.
Strategic Impact
These measures are part of Thailand’s strategy to attract more exhibitions and global festivals. They also prepare for major upcoming events like the IDF Diabetes World Congress 2025, the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meeting 2026 in Bangkok, the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 in Phuket, and the International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Udon Thani.
Mr. Chiruit emphasized that these enhancements will significantly improve the experience for MICE travelers, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a premier destination for international events. The integrated approach ensures seamless and efficient entry processes, showcasing Thailand’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and service for global visitors.
In conclusion, the “Thailand MICE One Stop Service” initiative demonstrates Thailand’s proactive stance in enhancing its tourism infrastructure and services, ensuring that MICE travelers experience convenience and efficiency from arrival to departure.
