TCEB reports only limited impacts occurred from red-shirt rally

BANGKOK, 18 March 2010 (NNT) – The President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, or TCEB exposed that the major anti-government rally by UDD during this period had only a minimal impact on Thailand’s Meeting Incentive Convention and Exhibition, or MICE industry business.

President of TCEB, Akkapol Sorasuchart explained the effects of current situation in Thailand in response to the recent political developments. The demonstrations, organized by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) were sent to many prime locations around Bangkok, however only a few meetings and conventions had been canceled or postponed.

The only meeting that was canceled was Apollo Tyres India which was originally scheduled on March 12-14, whereas 5 more events had been put off, namely; Agel World Tour, AVON Cosmetics Philippines, Angliss Food Services, The 2nd ASEAN Halal Meeting and World Halal Congress 2010. All the postponed events will be shifted from this month to be held in May.

The President further stated that overall Thailand’s MICE industry had performed very positive in the first quarter of this year and would definitely reach its expectation.

Mr. Akkapol expressed that foreign tourists and investors seemed to better understand the political situation in Thailand involving periodic protests. TCEB has implemented measures to promote foreign investors’ positive outlook as well as to bring the best outcome for the country.

TCEB predicts that by year-end, the MICE industry will return growth of 25%, and is confident that Thailand will be recognized as the leader of ASEAN’s exhibitions industry for the fifth consecutive year.

However if the mass rally prolongs, it will certainly bring a negative impact on the industry and the overall economy.