The government supports the MICE industry by proposing a tax measure allowing double expense deductions for venue rental and service fees for participating in domestic trade shows until the end of 2027, aiming to attract international events and stimulate the economy. Tags: [government policy, MICE industry, tax incentives, trade shows, economic stimulus]
On 6 October 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Ministry of Finance proposed the Cabinet approve the principle of a draft royal decree under the Revenue Code to exempt taxes and introduce tax incentives supporting the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. This would grant companies or juristic partnerships the benefit of deducting twice the actual expenses paid for venue rental or service fees when participating in domestic trade fairs, exhibitions, or trade shows.
The measure is set to apply from the date the Cabinet approves the principle until 31 December 2027. Companies or juristic partnerships wishing to claim this benefit must have a certificate from the event organizer confirming actual participation and comply with the rules, methods, and conditions prescribed by the Director-General of the Revenue Department.
Ms. Lalida stated that the MICE industry plays a crucial role in driving the economy through tourism, investment, employment, and distributing income to related businesses across all regions. According to the Thailand MICE Economic and Social Impact 2025 report by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, in 2025 the MICE industry generated an economic value of 338.233 billion baht for Thailand and created 304,932 jobs.
Previously, the Ministry of Finance, through the Revenue Department, had a tax incentive measure supporting domestic exhibitions and trade shows in 2022, allowing companies or juristic partnerships to deduct twice the expenses for venue rental or service fees when participating in domestic trade fairs, exhibitions, or trade shows. That measure ended on 31 December 2022.
The current proposed measure aims to continuously support the MICE industry to attract international events, increase spending by quality travelers, promote businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transport, tourism, and related services, as well as distribute income to regional and local areas. It also seeks to elevate Thailand as a key destination for international MICE activities.
The Ministry of Finance expects about 3,800 companies or juristic partnerships will utilize this benefit, with participation expenses estimated at approximately 3.99 billion baht annually. The government anticipates revenue loss from this tax measure of about 798 million baht.
However, the Ministry of Finance expects the measure to increase income and employment in the MICE industry and related businesses, estimating that the MICE industry could create 350,672 jobs in Thailand and grow by 10–15% annually with such support.
“This measure is not only intended to reduce costs for participating businesses but also to use tax incentives as motivation to boost economic activities, from meetings and exhibitions to trade shows. This will link income to hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local service businesses. The goal is to attract more international events to Thailand and shift tourism focus from quantity to higher value,” Ms. Lalida said. "Ms. Lalida said."
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) supports this approach, while the Office of the Council of State considers it within the Cabinet’s authority to approve the principle. Once the Cabinet approves the principle, the draft royal decree will proceed through the next legislative review steps.