When you step out of the BTS Skytrain into the thick, aromatic air of Bangkok, you aren’t just entering a city; you’re walking into the heart of global hospitality. I’ve navigated these streets for a decade, dodging motorbikes in the Sukhumvit humidity to reach the gleaming halls of our city’s exhibition centers. For anyone in the hotel or restaurant game, choosing the right event is the difference between finding a game-changing supplier and just collecting expensive brochures. This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Competition is fierce, and the “old way” of running a hotel won’t cut it. I’ve paced the miles of carpeted aisles and sat through enough keynote speeches to know which events actually move the needle. Here is my definitive list of the absolute best industry gatherings to attend this year.
1. THAIFEX – HOREC Asia
If you’re serious about the nuts and bolts of hotel and catering operations, this is your primary destination. I consider the THAIFEX – HOREC Asia Thailand trade fair to be the ultimate benchmark for operational excellence. Hosted at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, it’s a hyper-focused “sister show” to the massive Anuga event, but it specifically targets the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector.
What I love about this show is the “Xperiential Zone.” Last time I was there, I watched a live demonstration of a contactless guest journey that actually felt human, not robotic. It covers nine distinct segments—everything from high-end bakery equipment and specialty coffee to wellness and “smart” hospitality tech. It’s where I go to find the industrial-grade laundry systems that won’t break down mid-season and the furniture designers who understand that “luxury” also needs to be “durable.” It’s organized, professional, and arguably the most efficient way to source 600+ global brands under one roof.
2. Food & Hospitality Thailand (FHT)
FHT is the “grand old dame” of the industry, usually taking over the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). It’s centrally located, which is a lifesaver for your feet—you can actually hop on the MRT and be back in your hotel in twenty minutes. I find FHT to be particularly strong in the “back-of-house” department. If you need a walk-in freezer that can survive the Thai heat or professional-grade linens that stay white after a hundred washes, you’ll find them here. The seminars are notoriously high-quality, focusing on the gritty reality of supply chain management and labor shortages.
3. Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services (TRAFS)
TRAFS, held at BITEC Bangna, feels a bit more like a local community hub. It’s the “one-stop solution” for smaller operators and boutique owners. I’ve discovered some of my favorite local artisan suppliers here—people making small-batch syrups or unique tableware that you won’t see in the massive corporate hotels. It often runs alongside franchise and retail shows, making it a great place to brainstorm if you’re looking to expand a restaurant brand into a multi-unit operation.
4. HOTELEX Thailand
This is a newer player on the scene, often co-located with FHT, and it brings a massive influx of international manufacturing power, particularly from the wider Asian region. I come here to look at the “bling.” Think high-end coffee machines that look like Italian sports cars and designer uniforms that make your front-of-house staff look like they’ve stepped off a runway. It’s a great place to spot the aesthetic trends that are going to dominate the “Instagrammable” hotel lobbies of the next few years.
5. World of Coffee Bangkok
It might seem niche, but in Thailand, coffee is hospitality. If your lobby brew is sour, your guests will notice. Held at BITEC, this event is a sensory overload in the best way possible. I’ve spent entire days here cupping beans from Northern Thailand and comparing espresso profiles. For hotel F&B managers, this is a goldmine for finding local specialty roasters who can provide a “story” for your breakfast menu, which is exactly what modern travelers are looking for.
Comparison of Thailand’s Premier Hospitality Events
| Event Name | Best For | Venue | Key Vibe |
| THAIFEX – HOREC Asia | Operational Tech & Sourcing | IMPACT | High-Energy / Professional |
| FHT | Equipment & Back-of-House | QSNCC | Traditional / Business-Heavy |
| TRAFS | Boutique & Retail Solutions | BITEC | Niche / Entrepreneurial |
| HOTELEX | Design & Aesthetic Trends | QSNCC | Global / Modern |
| World of Coffee | Beverage & Cafe Culture | BITEC | Artisanal / High-Energy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to get to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from downtown Bangkok? I won’t lie—the traffic on the expressway can be a nightmare if you time it wrong. My tip? Take the Pink Line monorail or use the dedicated shuttle buses from the BTS stations. Give yourself an extra hour. The humidity at the drop-off point is real, so carry some water.
Do I need to be a business owner to attend these fairs? Most of these are “Trade Only” events, meaning you’ll need to register with a business card or company details. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, register as a “consultant” or “student” if the option exists. Don’t try to go on the final day thinking you’ll get deals—the serious business happens on day one and two.
Is English widely spoken at the booths? At a major THAIFEX – HOREC Asia Thailand trade fair, almost every booth will have English-speaking staff. Thailand is a global hub, so the language barrier is rarely an issue for international buyers. However, knowing a few words of Thai like “Sawasdee” will definitely open doors with the local boutique suppliers.
The Verdict on Thailand’s Trade Scene
The hospitality game is changing faster than a seasonal monsoon. If you aren’t walking these floors, you’re looking at your business through a rear-view mirror. I’ve found that the best deals aren’t made over email; they’re made over a tasting table or while poking around the guts of a new dishwasher. Whether you need the massive scale of an international expo or the curated feel of a boutique design show, Thailand has a seat at the table for you. Pack your most comfortable shoes, grab a stack of business cards, and I’ll likely see you in the coffee queue.
