World

Thailand wins bid to host Global Wellness Summit 2026

The summit will take place in Phuket under the theme “The Symphony of Wellness.” The event is seen as an opportunity for the country to further reinforcing its advantages in wellness tourism and holistic healthcare services that meet international stards.

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand has secured the rights to host the Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026), marking a major milestone in the country’s ambition to become a global wellness hub and generate multi-billion-baht economic value.

The summit will take place in Phuket under the theme “The Symphony of Wellness.” The event is seen as an opportunity for the country to further reinforcing its advantages in wellness tourism and holistic healthcare services that meet international stards.

Dr Pongsathorn Pokpermdee, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Public Health, said the hosting rights represent a significant achievement that underscores Thailand’s leadership in holistic healthcare and its cultural strengths in wellness traditions.

The Global Wellness Summit brings together industry leaders from more than 50 countries, including hospitality, spa and wellness executives, medical specialists and global policymakers.

According to Dr Pongsathorn, the event is expected to generate at least 324 million THB (10 million USD) in economic value from 500–600 delegates, who will spend on luxury accommodation, travel, conferences, food, tourism and Thai wellness services. The benefits will extend to hotels, resorts, restaurants, local service providers and MICE-related businesses.

The summit will also create new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs by connecting them with global investors and buyers, fostering innovation partnerships and opening new business channels for local communities, he added.

Thailand is also planning to implement a series of measures to boost the medical tourism sector, including hosting the first National Massage and Wellness Exhibition, promoting Thai massage and wellness services, and developing herbal and cultural-wellness tourism sites in 11 key localities targeting premium markets. The goal is to generate over 10 billion THB in healthcare and medical tourism revenue by 2026.

Thailand aims to bring traditional and alternative medicine to the global stage while expanding economic opportunities and improving the quality of life of its people.

Hosting GWS 2026 is not only a source of national pride but also marks the beginning of Thailand's rise as a global leader in wellness, Pongsathorn stated./.

VNA
#Thailand #Global Wellness Summit 2026 #hospitality #Thai Ministry of Public Health #medical tourism Thailand
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

TAT launches 'Trusted Thailand' symbol to boost international confidence in Thai tourism (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand launches tourism initiative to boost international confidence

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool explained that recent negative news had affected Thailand’s image, especially among Chinese tourists. The 'Trusted Thailand' initiative aims to rebuild trust, emphasising Thailand's commitment to providing high-quality, safe travel experiences.

See more

Participants at the WTO’s first regular meeting in 2026 in Geneva (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pushes for consensus ahead of WTO ministerial conference

Vietnam stressed the importance of ensuring policy space for WTO members, particularly amid green and digital transitions, while calling for the full and effective restoration of the WTO’s dispute settlement system – an important pillar of the multilateral trading system.

Illustrative photo: Internet

Malaysia’s semiconductor market may reach 4.6 billion USD by 2030

Based on forecasts by LightCounting, a market research firm specialising in optical communications and photonics, the OSAT share of the datacom market in Malaysia could grow from about 1.7 billion USD in 2025 to 4.6 billion USD by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of around 22%.

BMA Governor Chadchart Sittipunt (Source: pattayamail.com)

Bangkok moves to respond to summer heat

The BMA has identified hundreds of strategic locations to help reduce the risk of heatstroke among residents. More than 600 cooling spots have been set up at parks, BMA-run schools, vocational colleges, health centres and 50 district offices. The city administration has also activated 2,806 clean drinking water stations across all 50 districts of the capital.

Illustrative Image (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand unveils resilience strategy to balance exports

Thailand’s exports reached 339.635 billion USD in 2025, the highest on record and up 12.9% from 2024. In January 2026, exports continued strong growth, rising 24.4% year-on-year to 31.57 billion USD, marking the 19th consecutive month of expansion.

Indonesian Deputy Chair of Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) Alex Indra Lukman. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia’s rice reserve sufficient for nearly one year

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture showed that the country’s total rice reserve stands at nearly 28 million tonnes, including 3.76 million tonnes managed by the state logistics agency Bulog, 12.5 million tonnes held by households, and about 11.73 million tonnes of standing crop awaiting harvest.

Malaysia's Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin (Photo: www.thestar.com.my)

Malaysia’s investment hits record high

Latest data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) showed that the country recorded 426.7 billion MYR in approved investments in 2025, the highest level on record and an 11% increase from 2024.

President of the Tourism Council of Thailand Chai Arunanondchai (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thai tourism to face big challenges due to Middle East conflicts

Thailand’s tourism sector has been directly affected and is facing severe volatility, both in terms of travel costs and tourist numbers after one week of Middle East conflicts, according to President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Chai Arunanondchai.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (centre), Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun (left), and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at the Bhumjaithai Party forum in Buri Ram province on March 8. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand unveils “10 Plus” strategy to weather global instability

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the policy package focuses on concrete economic measures, including initiatives to help low-income households, elderly citizens and small businesses reduce debt, thereby supporting national economic growth.

Thailand takes strong action against complicity in cybercrime

Thailand takes strong action against complicity in cybercrime

Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the damage caused by call centre scams is evident, with some Thais involved in fraudulent activities against their compatriots, including receiving money to open mule accounts. She urged the public, especially young people, not to be tempted by small sums of money to register SIM cards or give personal information to fraudsters for use in online criminal activities.