# Thai PM Opens THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026, Highlighting Thailand’s HoReCa Hub - Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/294166-thai-pm-opens-thaifex-horec-asia-2026-highlighting-thailands-horeca-hub - Published: 2026-03-13T04:41:00+07:00 - Author: PRD Thailand **Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opened THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026, recognizing international partners and highlighting Thailand’s role as a HoReCa hub amid global challenges. The event features 700 companies and expects 20,000 visitors.** --- ## Key Points * **Opening Ceremony and Awards**: On March 11, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, presenting the “Thailand’s Best Friend 2026” awards to notable international trade partners. The event was attended by key officials, including Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthamphan. * **Event Significance**: The Prime Minister emphasized the exhibition’s importance as a premier platform for the HoReCa industries, showcasing Thailand as a regional hub and gateway for ASEAN markets amid global trade challenges. He underscored the need for resilience and cross-sector collaboration for sustainable growth. * **Event Highlights and Expectations**: Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister explored the “THAIFEX – HOREC Experiential” zone featuring various innovations. The event, running from March 11 to 13, 2026, includes nearly 700 companies from 35 countries, with expectations of attracting over 20,000 visitors and generating over 3.5 billion baht in trade value. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 on March 11, 2026, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. He delivered a keynote address and presented the “Thailand’s Best Friend 2026” awards to distinguished international trade partners. ADVERTISEMENT The ceremony was attended by Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthamphan, Permanent Secretary of Commerce Wuttikrai Leeviraphan, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Poj Aramwattananont, and Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and Vice President Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse GmbH. ​The Prime Minister praised the exhibition as a leading international platform for the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HoReCa) industries. He emphasized that the event highlights Thailand’s role as a regional HoReCa hub and a key gateway connecting ASEAN to the global market. The Prime Minister noted that the exhibition is taking place amid rising trade uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain fluctuations. He stated that resilience, adaptability, and cross-sector cooperation are essential for sustainable growth. The expanded scale of this year’s event demonstrates Thailand’s readiness to address global challenges and its reliability as a world-class trading partner. ### Related**Posts** ### 󠀁[Thailand’s new entry fee and departure tax could raise travel costs for foreign tourists by nearly $80](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/333476-thailands-new-entry-fee-and-departure-tax-could-raise-travel-costs-for-foreign-tourists-by-nearly-80)󠁿 ### 󠀁[Phuket named top wellness destination by Canadian travellers](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/press-release/331672-phuket-named-top-wellness-destination-by-canadian-travellers)󠁿 ### 󠀁[Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 Expected to Generate Over 1.4 Billion Baht](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/332730-phuket-vegetarian-festival-2026-expected-to-generate-over-1-4-billion-baht)󠁿 ### 󠀁[Siam Amazing Park owner may sell business for 10 billion baht following the recent floods](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/332477-siam-amazing-park-owner-may-sell-business-for-10-billion-baht-following-the-recent-floods)󠁿 The Prime Minister also highlighted Thailand’s strengths in professional services, culture, and high-value exports, which support the HoReCa ecosystem. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) enhance their competitiveness and diversify market opportunities in a complex global economy. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister toured the “THAIFEX – HOREC Experiential” zone, which featured four highlights: Kitchen Innovation, the Sustainable Zone for eco-friendly exporters, Furnishing & Interiors, and the Innovation Bar. THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 runs from March 11 to 13, 2026, and features nearly 700 companies from 35 countries. The Ministry of Commerce expects the event to attract over 20,000 visitors and generate trade value exceeding 3.5 billion baht. **Source** : [Thai PM Opens THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026, Highlighting Thailand’s HoReCa Hub](https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/52/iid/484452)