The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will kick off in “royal fashion,” as the organization announced today that Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand, Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, will officially open the event the morning of November 11 at the Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand. It will be an historic and momentous experience for a conference—the foremost gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy—that is celebrating its own historic 20th anniversary this year.
Queen Suthida, married to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), has a genuine and deep connection to wellness, and has redefined modern royalty around health, sports and fitness. A high-level athlete, she helped lead Thailand’s sailing team (as strategist and navigator) to an historic gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. She was named the first Women’s Global Ambassador by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), championing women in sports worldwide. A long-distance runner, she ran the half marathon right alongside Olympic legend, Eliud Kipchoge, at the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025. More than a queen, she is the symbol of a healthy lifestyle, strength and discipline for young women—and really the inspiring face of wellness for all Thai people.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime to welcome Thailand’s Queen to our 20th-anniversary event,” said Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO. “It’s an extraordinary moment for the wellness industry and I think it will be one of those exceptional experiences that every delegate will never forget. Queen Suthida’s authentic leadership and profound commitment to health, wellness and sports is an inspiration to us all.”
Jiří Dvořák, MD, PhD, 2026 GWS co-chair and professor of neurology at Schulthess Clinic Zurich and Thailand’s pioneering BDMS Wellness Clinic, added: “I have known Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand for many years, as Her Majesty comes to train at our Musculoskeletal Department at BWC. When she trains, her entire team trains as well. Her Majesty is a top performance athlete, and a role model for her team at the palace, and moreover, for the nation! It is a privilege to supervise her training, and an honor to have her grace the 20th-anniversary Global Wellness Summit with her presence.”
