Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is a public organisation under the supervision of the Prime Minister's Office. Its primary mission is to promote and support Thailand's MICE industry.
Key Roles of TCEB
- Providing consultancy and coordination services for MICE events at no charge
- Offering both financial and non-financial support to eligible event organisers
- Acting as a liaison between event organisers and relevant government and private sector bodies
- Developing standards for MICE venues and industry personnel
- Promoting value chain connectivity from local communities to the international MICE market
MICE is an acronym representing four categories of business events:
| Acronym | Meaning | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| M - Meetings | Corporate Meetings | Private companies bear the costs, including company training and company outings |
| I - Incentives | Incentive Travel | Group travel arranged as rewards for employees or sales representatives who meet targets; sponsoring company covers expenses |
| C - Conventions | Association/Organisation Conferences | Gatherings of professionals in the same field (non-profit); attendees participate voluntarily and pay their own expenses |
| E - Exhibitions | Trade Shows/Exhibitions | Displays of products, goods, or services organised by industry sector |
International MICE travellers spend an average of THB 66,000 per person per trip, and over 60% return for leisure travel within 2 years.
| Aspect | MICE Traveller | General Tourist |
|---|---|---|
| Expenditure per trip | THB 66,000/person (international) | Significantly lower |
| Purpose | Business + Knowledge + Networking | Leisure/Holiday |
| Return visits | >60% return within 2 years | Variable |
| Economic impact | Income distribution to local communities, investor confidence building | Limited to tourism sector |
The MICE industry has a value chain that connects community-level resources to the international market:
- Natural resources and environment
- Agricultural products and handicrafts
- Customs, traditions, and culture
- Religious and historical heritage
- Processors of local products
- Transportation, accommodation, and food service providers
- Tour programme and community activity operators
- B2B: Event organisers, DMCs, venues
- B2C: MICE travellers and event attendees
Tangible Benefits
- Income distribution to local communities through procurement of goods and services
- Market access opportunities for SME entrepreneurs
- Elevation of local products and services to international standards
- Promotion of cultural preservation and local wisdom
TCEB provides two main forms of support:
💰 Financial Support
- Subsidies for events meeting eligibility criteria
- Assessed on a case-by-case basis with no guaranteed fixed amounts
- Competitive and budget-limited
🤝 Non-Financial Support
- MICE Lane service at airports (fast-track immigration)
- Coordination with government agencies
- Marketing collateral and promotional materials
- Venue and service provider database access
- Visa support for event participants
- Workshops and Fam Trips for industry operators
- Showcase and Business Matching activities
Approval from TCEB does not automatically guarantee financial support. Financial support is assessed separately and is subject to available budget.
Basic criteria vary by event type:
| Event Type | Minimum Participants | Duration | Additional Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Conference | 50 international delegates | 1+ days | Must include international participants |
| Incentive Travel | 30 international delegates | 2+ nights | Corporate group |
| International Exhibition | 100+ exhibitor booths | 2+ days | Must include international exhibitors |
| Mega Event | 3,000+ international attendees | — | Special case-by-case consideration |
Factors That Enhance Support Prospects
- Alignment with Thailand's target industries (S-curve industries)
- High economic impact potential
- Enhancement of Thailand's image
- Linkages with local communities and entrepreneurs
Application Process (9 Steps)
- Initial Enquiry — Contact TCEB to discuss event suitability
- Receive Guidance — TCEB advises on appropriate support options
- Prepare Documentation — Compile required documents
- Submit Application — Via online portal miceoss.tceb.or.th or email
- Assessment — TCEB evaluates eligibility and suitability
- Notification — Receive decision outcome
- Agreement Signing — (If approved) Execute support agreement
- Event Execution — Deliver the event as planned
- Post-Event Reporting — Submit report within 30 days of event conclusion
Estimated Processing Times
| Category | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard events | 14–21 working days |
| Large/complex events | 21–30 working days |
| Financial support disbursement | 60–90 days after complete report submission |
Applications should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event date to allow adequate time for assessment and support preparation.
The MICE Lane is a dedicated fast-track immigration channel at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports for MICE event participants endorsed by TCEB.
Benefits of the MICE Lane
- Expedited immigration clearance
- Dedicated staff assistance
- Ideal for large delegate groups
Request Process (6 Steps)
- Confirm Delegate List — Compile names of participants requiring the service
- Submit Request — Apply through TCEB at least 7 days in advance
- Attach Documentation — Flight details, passenger list, passport numbers
- Await Approval — TCEB coordinates with Immigration Bureau
- Receive Confirmation — Notification of outcome and meeting point details
- Utilise Service — Arrive at airport and meet staff at designated location
This service is exclusively for TCEB-endorsed MICE events and cannot be requested on an individual basis.
The MICE ecosystem comprises various types of service providers:
| Acronym | Full Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| PCO | Professional Congress Organiser | Professional conference managers responsible for end-to-end planning and administration |
| PEO | Professional Exhibition Organiser | Professional trade show organisers |
| DMC | Destination Management Company | Companies managing destination programmes, tours, and activities |
| EMC | Event Management Company | Event management service providers |
| TMC | Travel Management Company | Corporate travel management specialists |
| PMP | Professional Meeting Planner | Professional meeting planning specialists |
Selecting the Right Service Provider
Key considerations:
- Do they have experience with similar event types?
- Do they have a credible portfolio of references?
- Are they certified by TCEB or professional associations?
- Do they have a strong local supplier network?
A directory of certified service providers is available at businesseventsthailand.com
Event organisers receiving TCEB support must submit a Post-Event Report within 30 days of event conclusion.
Required Report Content
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Overview | Dates, venue, actual attendance figures |
| Participant Data | Nationalities, professions, breakdown by country |
| Economic Impact | Estimated expenditure, local employment, use of community goods/services |
| Financial Report | Details of support fund utilisation (if applicable) |
| Supporting Materials | Photographs, promotional materials, press coverage |
| Supplementary Activities | Data on participants' post-event leisure activities (if any) |
Submission Channels
- Online Portal: miceoss.tceb.or.th
- Email: As advised by your TCEB contact
Complete and timely report submission is a prerequisite for financial support disbursement.
Head Office
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
26th–29th Floor, CW Tower
90 Ratchadaphisek Road, Huai Khwang
Bangkok 10310, Thailand
Contact Channels
Department-Specific Contacts
| Department | |
|---|---|
| Meetings & Incentives | mi@tceb.or.th |
| Conventions | convention@tceb.or.th |
| Exhibitions | exhibition@tceb.or.th |
Expected Response Times
- Email: 2–3 working days
- Online Portal: 5–7 working days
Regional Offices
TCEB maintains regional liaison offices in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket. For further information, please contact the head office.
Disclaimer
This FAQ document is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute a contract or legally binding commitment. Support policies and conditions are subject to change. Please contact TCEB directly to confirm the latest information before making any decisions.