Bangkok is already dusting off the welcome mats, the big ones. In 2026, the Thai capital will host Gastech, the world’s largest and most influential energy exhibition and conference, returning to the Kingdom after an 18-year absence. You’d be right if that sounds like a gap long enough to fuel a small LNG tanker. But Thailand has been quietly building up its MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) muscle and is now flexing it globally.
The official curtain-raiser came in Milan this month at Gastech 2025, where Thailand invited the world’s energy leaders. The pitch? State-of-the-art venues, a seamless transport system, a generous dose of Thai hospitality, and the city’s knack for turning even a business summit into something memorable.
A Global Energy Community Takes Note
Gastech, the world’s largest gas energy exhibition and conference, will make its presence at BITEC in Bangkok in September 2026
The Thai delegation at Milan, led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Ministry of Energy, was not there to smile politely and hand out brochures. No, they were there to remind the international community that Thailand doesn’t just host events, it stages them with flair, precision and an unmistakable Thai touch.
Dr Pasu Loharjun, Chairman of TCEB’s Board, pulled no punches. “Thailand’s successful bid to host Gastech 2026, secured by TCEB and the Ministry of Energy with the support of multiple organisations, is a significant milestone. It showcases our country’s robust MICE ecosystem and underscores our commitment to leveraging business events as a platform to advance the growth of industries that hold the key to the future, with energy being a prime example.”
With more than 50,000 attendees from 150 countries expected, along with 1,000 exhibiting companies and 1,000 expert speakers, this isn’t a conference. It’s a global town hall on the future of energy, and Thailand is determined to chair the meeting.
Why Bangkok? Why Now?
The Pavilion of Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, Host Organisation of Gastech 2026
Sceptics might ask, Why Bangkok? The answer lies partly in infrastructure, partly in culture, and entirely in ambition.
The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is no stranger to large-scale events. With 70,000 square metres of event space, ten exhibition halls, six grand convention halls and 28 breakout rooms, it could comfortably host an Olympic-sized brainstorm. Add to that direct BTS Skytrain access, more than 50 hotels within a few stops, and Suvarnabhumi Airport’s connectivity via 113 international airlines, and you begin to see why Thailand clinched the bid.
Bangkok, in short, ticks every box on the logistics checklist and then throws in a city alive with food, colour, and culture. Energy ministers and CEOs may come for the hydrogen panels, but they’ll stay for the mango sticky rice.
The Economic Energy Spark
Beyond the prestige and the networking, Gastech 2026 is set to be a serious economic driver. Projections show an impact of €385 million, including €198 million in national revenue, €38 million in tax contributions, and the creation of 4,700 jobs. That’s a lot of baht flowing into the economy, enough to light up Bangkok’s skyline several times.
Dr Pasu added, “Thailand has been an exhibition hub in the Southeast Asian region, with TCEB supporting regional energy trade shows each year, making it a promising source of participants for global energy events.” In other words, this isn’t Thailand’s first rodeo — it’s just its biggest one yet.
More Than Just a Conference
Thailand Function in Milan Inviting Global Energy Community to Attend Gastech 2026 in Bangkok
While the figures impress, the symbolism may matter even more. By hosting Gastech, Thailand positions itself as a regional energy leader and a global player in the discussions shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape from LNG to hydrogen, climate technologies, and AI in energy.
This is no mere show-and-tell. The conference promises a robust programme of keynotes, panels and exhibitions, offering opportunities for collaboration and investment. For the global energy community, Bangkok will be more than a backdrop; it will be a hub of ideas and alliances, and let’s be honest, there will be some pretty spectacular gala dinners.
Thai Hospitality with Global Impact
If there’s one ace up Thailand’s sleeve, it’s that intangible but unmistakable warmth of Thai hospitality. The same cultural current that powers Bangkok’s legendary street food markets and temple festivals will quietly underpin Gastech 2026. Delegates may forget which keynote they attended, but they won’t forget how seamlessly they were welcomed, accommodated, and guided through the city.
Or, as Dr Pasu neatly summed it up: “Looking ahead to Gastech 2026, Thailand is ready to welcome the global energy community. With world-class facilities, rich culture, warm hospitality, and a strong focus on future industries, the event will foster collaboration and inspire progress in shaping the future of energy solutions.”
A Nation with Its Eye on the Future
For Thailand, this isn’t just about hosting a big event. It’s about projecting a vision: a nation determined to position itself at the crossroads of energy, innovation and collaboration. For those travelling from Milan, Houston, or Doha, Bangkok promises to deliver an event that blends the sharp edge of business with the timeless grace of Thai culture.
When the global energy fraternity gathers in Bangkok in 2026, the message will be clear: Thailand is not only ready to host the conversation, it’s prepared to help shape the answers.
By Kanda Limw
