Mr. Poomjai Khamphato, Chairman of the Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF), said that the hemp, cannabis, and kratom industries in Asia are transitioning toward growth that emphasizes practical use, research, and production standards, with Thailand having the potential to develop into a regional hub.
In terms of raw materials, processing, and medical applications, if Thailand can connect its production strengths and traditional knowledge with scientific expertise, reliable standards, and clear regulations, business opportunities will cover everything from cultivating quality flower buds, processing extracts, to developing health products.
This extends to innovations in hemp fiber and everyday products, offering Thai entrepreneurs roles as raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, brand owners, and technology partners. They must improve quality alongside understanding partner countries’ requirements to meet buyer needs and access target markets.
The trade value at the AIHEF 2025 event last year reached 385.5 million baht, with participation from entrepreneurs across 69 countries in just three days, reflecting the business opportunities in Thailand’s hemp, cannabis, and kratom industries.
It also shows international interest in Thailand as a source of raw materials, products, and business partners. The key challenge is preparing Thai entrepreneurs to convert this interest into ongoing cooperation and trade.
Mr. Poomjai added that this year’s industry focus is on raising cultivation and production standards to support export markets and medical manufacturing, including how dispensaries adapt and understand new legal opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs, all of which impact investment planning, product development, and partner selection.
Therefore, AIHEF & AICEF 2026 aims to be the annual industry gathering to exchange market directions, connect entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and international partners, and provide opportunities for growers, extract producers, and product developers to meet partners, negotiate with importers, and build business cooperation throughout the production chain.
Peerapan Angsukho, Deputy Managing Director of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, said the Asia International Hemp Expo & Forum and Asia International Cannabis Expo & Forum 2026, or AIHEF & AICEF 2026, is organized by N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer (NEO) in collaboration with the Asia International Hemp Federation under the concept "Growing Business."
The exhibition and activities are designed to connect businesses from upstream to downstream, alongside presenting knowledge, innovation, and international trade networks. This year, 70% of exhibitors are standard farms for export and medical production, including finished products containing extracts; 20% represent equipment, packaging, and OEM services; and 10% showcase hemp fiber innovations, reflecting the event’s focus on production quality and adding value through raw materials.
During the event, entrepreneurs can meet partners and negotiate with importers and distributors through exhibition spaces and Business Matching activities, sourcing products, raw materials, technology, equipment, packaging, and manufacturing services to develop their businesses and build new partnerships.
In terms of medical applications, Mrs. Pathummas Sirikawin, Deputy Director of the Medical Cannabis Division at the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, emphasized standards and regulation to build confidence in the appropriate and safe use of hemp, cannabis, and herbs.
Regarding quality improvement, Thongmet Sangnoi, Director of the Cannabis and Kratom Plant Research Group at the Department of Agriculture, highlighted breeding development and production under GAP/GACP standards to raise raw material quality and build market confidence.
Dr. Kengpong Tangarunsanti, President of the Thai Elderly Health Trade and Service Association, spoke about opportunities to develop health and elderly care products containing cannabis extracts, which are in demand but require supporting research, quality standards, and safety to ensure consumer confidence.
Meanwhile, Chakri Chitjet, a commercial kratom plant development expert from the Thai Kratom Trade Association, believes kratom has potential to evolve from a local plant to processed products and commercial innovations. Consistent production standards and quality control meeting various countries’ demands are key to building buyer confidence and expanding foreign markets.
The event highlights include the Premium Flower Showcase featuring quality flower buds from farms certified by GAP/GACP, the Hemp for Living Showcase presenting hemp products for daily life, and the Hemp Excursion, which takes foreign buyers and investors to visit local businesses and farms in Thailand.
Additionally, the Hemp Talk Stage & Hemp Forum will bring together 42 speakers from 18 countries, including the United States, Mongolia, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Italy, Germany, Pakistan, Canada, and France, to exchange views on market trends, research, technology, standards, and business adaptation strategies.
AIHEF & AICEF 2026 will take place from 18–20 November 2026, 10:00–18:00, at Hall 7 of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Interested individuals can pre-register for free admission worth 1,200 baht until 1 November 2026 via www.aihexpo.com and www.asiahempexpo.com.
. Reception: Dr. Somporn Suebtawilkul, CEO of Tipay Group Holdings Public Company Limited and Managing Director of Tipay Insurance Public Company Limited, together with Ms. Panadda Chutikomol, Assistant Managing Director of Corporate Affairs, welcomed Ms. Sophie Scott, Miss Teen Thailand 2026, along with the three runners-up: Ms. Sasi Suriyajantrathong, Ms. Apisara Posu, and Ms. Kanokporn Payungwong. They visited to express gratitude for Tipay Insurance Public Company Limited’s support of this year’s pageant. The reception was warm and friendly at Tipay Insurance’s headquarters on Rama 3 Road.
Support for Laem Phak Bia Project: Torisen Thai Agencies Public Company Limited (TTA), led by Ms. Usana Mahakit Siri, Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Kamonsut Thapparangsi, Senior Assistant Managing Director and Chairman of Food and Beverage Group, along with 80 executives and staff, donated 100,000 baht to the Chaipattana Foundation to help renovate the mangrove nature study bridge at the Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project under the Royal Initiative in Phetchaburi Province. Mr. Phakmon Rattaseri, Board Member and Deputy Treasurer of the Chaipattana Foundation, and Mr. Pongsira Roilap, Project Manager of the Phetchaburi Office, welcomed and received the donation.