Congratulations on your appointment. What is your vision for TICA moving forward?
My vision revolves around four key pillars: Talent Development, Innovation, Collaboration & Contribution, and Agility.

We’re adapting across six core areas – hardware, software, people, product, process, and sales and marketing –to better align with changing travel behaviours and the rising demand for immersive, purpose-driven experiences.

What are your top priorities in strengthening Thailand’s business events industry?
First, we need to upskill and reskill our workforce, especially SMEs and emerging DMCs.

Second, we are embracing digital tools and AI to help local players compete globally, particularly in elevating sales proposals and communication.

And third, we are supporting the integration of experiential elements that reflect Thai identity and community engagement.

How is TICA advancing sustainability within the business events sector?
We’re promoting low-waste practices and advocating for carbon-neutral meetings. Sustainability is now front and centre, and is something many clients demand up front.

That includes practices like local food sourcing within 150km, reducing decorative waste like flowers, and shifting to carbon neutrality. We should be thinking about waste reduction wherever we can, even in the smallest elements of a meeting.

The Thai MICE industry must broaden its perspective. While many local players have achieved domestic sustainability certifications, these labels often lack international recognition. To build global credibility, we need to align with widely accepted international standards.

What technology trends are reshaping the business events landscape in Thailand?
AI is a game-changer. It is helping us improve sales proposal turnaround time, improve the English of local Thai staff in communications, and research new destination angles.

I always say: do not be afraid of tech, be afraid of those who know how to use it better.

That said, creativity, care, and cultural insight can’t be replicated by robots. I believe MICE will always need human nuance – particularly the personalisation that makes a sales proposal stand out. That will be hard to duplicate.

How has client behaviour changed post-pandemic?
There is a clear shift toward local integration, CSR elements, and personalised experiences. Attendees now expect hybrid formats, minimal print, and stronger storytelling about local communities.

Buyers are no longer relying solely on sales pitches. They are searching on their own. Today’s travellers are increasingly conducting their own research before choosing a destination.

For example, if someone types ‘Pattaya’ into a search engine, will your venue or experience appear? And more importantly, will it stand out?

We need to get to the point where lesser-known communities like Takhien Tia show up in those searches. It is not just about promoting Thailand, it is about make sure the right stories can be discovered.

What is Thailand’s edge in the international association market?
Our secret weapon is Thai empathy. The way we care, host, and anticipate needs – there’s nothing like it. And we must build on that with infrastructure.

Places like Chiang Rai are now becoming more accessible, but in destinations beyond Chiang Rai, we still face gaps in infrastructure, like accessibility, utilities or internet coverage. We need serious investment in connectivity to support regional business events growth.

What legacy do you hope to leave as TICA president?
I want to future-proof this industry. That includes inspiring young professionals, raising standards to meet global benchmarks, and embedding sustainability into everything we do.

I’ve proposed seven key asks to the government, from regulatory reform to training programmes to safeguarding tourists. If we align our vision with national strategies and invest in our people, Thailand will remain a business events powerhouse.