Thailand Ends Martial Law: Good News for Business Events Industry

News provided by

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

Apr 03, 2015, 06:59 ET

BANGKOK, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand's Prime Minister, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, yesterday announced the lifting of martial law, 10 months after its declaration in May 2014. The announcement was made late on Wednesday evening, following Gen. Prayuth's audience with His Majesty the King, who gave consent to the move on the grounds that it was no longer necessary.

Prime Minister Prayuth said it will be replaced by a new security order under Article 44 of the Provisional Charter. Article 44 allows the Prime Minister broader powers to issue executive orders to deal with threats to national security or the monarchy.

TCEB announcement comes as particularly good news for Thailand's business event industry, which is vital to Thailand's economy.

The government has promised to restore democracy following reforms; until then, former army chief Prayuth has responded to critics of Article 44 by promising to exercise his new sweeping powers responsibly, insisting that they will only be used to urgently solve national problems without violating human rights.

Mr. Nopparat Maythaveekulcha, president of TCEB reveals that, "Thailand is at the forefront of the business events industry, with our 'Thailand CONNECT the World' campaign, we offer a diversity of destinations enriched by efficient infrastructure and transport links, and five designated MICE Cities that offer a brilliant blend of world-class facilities, unrivalled business opportunities, and high quality MICE professionals & standards."

TCEB forecasts that the launch of Thailand CONNECT The World will enable Thailand to welcome 1,036,300 business events visitors, earning the Thai economy a total of US$3.55 billion in 2015.

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications Division, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang	Tel: +66 2 694 6095	Email: [email protected]
Mr Pishnu Plaikaew	Tel: +66 2 694 6000	Email: [email protected]
Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang	Tel: +66 2 694 6006	Email: [email protected]
Ms Kwanchanok Otton	Tel: +66 2 694 6096	Email: [email protected]