Chennai, 20 August 2010 – On the occasion of the road show in India, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) organised “TCEB-India Exhibition Roadshow 2010” aiming to promote business opportunities in ASEAN through the platform of exhibitions and trade shows in Thailand. TCEB also introduced a privilege promotion - the ‘Extra Night, Extra Smile’ – campaign, aiming to maximise the visitors’ stay while attending international exhibitions in Thailand.

Mrs Supawan Teerarat, Director of Exhibitions at TCEB, said “After the conglomeration of ASEAN countries into ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015, Thailand – with its proximity at the heart of ASEAN and nearness to Indochina - provides an exceptional access to reach the expanding ASEAN market with the buying power from over 580 Million populations. Plenty of business opportunities in various industries such as gems & jewellery, energy, chemical products, automobiles or food and agriculture could be enhanced and prospered through Thailand’s vibrant exhibition platform. Thailand has been selected as the home for many international and regional exhibitions including Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, Metalex, VIV Asia, Renewable Energy, BIG & BIH and name to a few. This is to proof that the country has long served as one of the preferred exhibition destinations in ASEAN and will continue to do so.”

According to H.E. Mr. Krit Kraichitti Thai Ambassador to India, Thailand eyes India as an important emerging market. Thailand and India have been a good trade partners as the result of Thailand-India Free Trade Agreement. Both countries have established liberalization trade in goods, services and investment as well as expansion of economic collaboration. We believe that Thailand as part of ASEAN will complement the economic growth of India.

During January-June 2010, bilateral trade value between Thailand and India is worth around BT 105 billion (USD 3.18 billion).

Mr Chen Namchaisiri, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and President of ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Committee, revealed at the forum that “After the successful establishment of Thailand-India FTA, ASEAN-India FTA and BIMSTEC, India and Thailand have continually enjoyed reaping their fruitful benefits incurred from the bilateral trade relation. We have seen a growing value in trade and investment in the recent years. It is such a good opportunity for businesses from India to take advantage of participating at international exhibitions in Thailand to extend their reach in Southeast Asia.”

While exploring their business opportunity in Thailand, Indian delegates can enjoy variety of privileges offered under the ‘Extra Night, Extra Smile’ campaign. The campaign is a part of the ‘Thailand Extra Value’ campaign, which offers extra privileges to exhibition participants and is intended to encourage international exhibition participants to come to Thailand and get first-hand experience of Thailand’s capability as a world-class exhibition destination. The scheme offers extra support for business travellers, organizers, exhibitors, delegates and visitors worldwide.

“The visitors can enjoy numerous privileges including one night complimentary accommodation when they decide to stay in Thailand for two nights or longer at the participating hotels,” Mrs Supawan added.

In addition to the Extra Night component, the ‘Extra Smile’ component delivers special fast track and airport transfers, a complimentary Bangkok city tour by tram car, plus special discounts at leading department stores and entertainment outlets for delegates.

On top of these privileges, delegates who come in a group will receive an additional bonus including a package to visit the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion Vimanmek for a group of 20, the exquisite Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha for a group of 40 and a package to dinner on a Chaopraya River Cruise for a group of 80. The campaign will run from now until the end of December 2010.

To earn the special privileges, registration can be done online at TCEB’s Extra Night, Extra Smile campaign website (http://www.tceb.or.th/exhibition/enes).