To quote SekWannamethee, director general of the department of information and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in a press conference, “The situation in Thailand is now peaceful and secure, as reflected in the satisfaction of both ordinary citizens and the business community.”

Taking advantage of the situation of back-to-business for MICE, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and the Rachprasong Square Trade Association invited several members of the media from around the world to get re-acquainted with the country’s foremost MICE destination – its capital Bangkok. This at the same time to introduce Thailand’s newly designated MICE destination in the North, Khon Kaen as a gateway to Indochina and South of China.

The Thailand CONNECT 2014 – ISAN Indulgence Media Familiarisation Trip began from September 6 to 11 with a tour beginning in Bangkok.

Itinerary in Bangkok:

Welcome Reception ‘Bangkok Happiness Extravaganza’ hosted by Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Thailand CONNECT 2014 – Isan Indulgence International media briefing conducted by TCEB, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association.

Bangkok Themed Dinner ‘Bangkok Finest’ held at the Issaya Siamese Club hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

Media Briefing by the Airport of Thailand at the CIP Lounge of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Programme in Khon Kaen:

A corporate social responsibility activity ‘Shelves for Child’ was organised for members of the media to assemble do-it-yourself shelves, cupboards and stools for a village school. Books and stationeries were also donated to the school children.

Dinner with the theme ‘A Poem Sacred to the Memory of ISAAN’ held at Suphanniga Home Boutique Hotel and a welcome speech by the deputy governor of Khon Kaen.

A visit was made to a temple and the town’s local museum, the Moon Muang with archeological artefacts and displays related to the history and culture of the people of Khon Kaen.

Return to Bangkok – lunch and cooking class ‘Eat Play Love’ was held at the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok.

A presentation held on the National Convention Centre and the production of the Muay Thai show.

Farewell Dinner at Benihana, Japanese restaurant.

Travel by shuttle boat and visit the popular retail and food and beverage venue of Asiatique at The Riverfront. Members of the media watched the spectacular choreographed live performance of the legend of Muay Thai at the Asiatique theatre.

MICE in Asia would like to thank Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and the Rachprasong Square Trade Association for the media familiarisation tour of Bangkok and Khon Kaen. Also our appreciation goes to InterContinental Bangkok and Centara Hotel and Convention Centre Khon Kaen for their hospitality.