Thailand is set to strengthen its position in the global creative economy with the launch of THE WORLD ENDS: Bangkok International Design Expo 2026, an international design event supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Under the “THE WORLD ENDS: CREATE WHAT MATTERS,” the event aims to position Bangkok as an international platform for creativity and design, connecting designers, businesses and creative networks from around the world.
The event reflects TCEB’s strategic commitment to using business events as a driver of high-value economic growth, particularly across Thailand’s 15 creative industry sectors, which collectively represent an economic value of more than THB 1.77 trillion and an average cumulative growth rate of 13.4%.
THE WORLD ENDS 2026 aims to move Thailand’s creative industries beyond showcasing work towards creating tangible international commercial opportunities, and expected to welcome more than 6,000 participants, facilitate at business-matching over with 200 sessions and generate more than THB 280 million in economic impact. The event is scheduled on 25–29 November 2026 at Bangkok Kunsthalle and the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC)
Business events as a driver of economic growth
Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said that creativity and design have become essential to addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy and building a more sustainable future.
“In today’s economy, where change is constant, creativity and design are essential to finding solutions that support resilience and sustainability across all sectors. Trade exhibitions are no longer simply platforms for showcasing products and ideas; they are strategic tools for driving economic growth and strengthening national competitiveness.
“Our priority is to deliver tangible economic outcomes and sustainable growth. In fiscal year 2026, Thailand’s MICE industry generated THB 150.901 billion in revenue, an increase of 1.7%, and attracted 27.2 million MICE travellers. Trade exhibitions accounted for 24 million travellers and generated THB 100.503 billion in revenue, representing 67% of total MICE revenue. These figures demonstrate the significant role exhibitions play in driving Thailand’s economy,” Dr. Supawan added
THE WORLD ENDS 2026 aims to move Thailand’s creative industries beyond showcasing work towards creating tangible international commercial opportunities. Through five core activities including Exhibition, Design Dialogue, Business Matching, Collaboration and Networking the event will connect Thai businesses with global expertise, innovation, investment and new markets.
Building global partnerships and long-term impact
Strategic collaboration is central to the event, bringing together government agencies, private sectors, professional associations, academic institutions, creative spaces and local festival organisers to connect Thailand’s creative ecosystem with the international design industry. TCEB has also established partnerships with diverse international organisations to expand the event’s reach and commercial potential
FIND – Design Fair Asia will provide a platform for satellite venue business matching in partnership through a dedicated THE WORLD ENDS presence at FIND – Design Fair Asia, connecting buyers, businesses and visitors across both events and supporting business-matching activities to help Thai designers and entrepreneurs reach international partners. London Design Festival serves as a media partner to expand the event’s visibility among global audiences, while Maison&Objet helps facilitate knowledge exchange and connections with international experts, designers and brand networks.
Beyond immediate commercial opportunities, TCEB aims to create a lasting legacy for Thailand’s design industry by fostering business partnerships, supporting the development of products and services, opening new market opportunities and nurturing future creative talents. Through opportunities to learn from and exchange ideas with international experts, emerging professionals will be better equipped to compete in global markets. The longer-term ambition is to establish Bangkok as an international hub for design exhibitions and events, with partnerships and opportunities continuing beyond the event itself.
Four highlights at Bangkok Kunsthalle
Under the concept HERE, BETWEEN, ELSEWHERE and the overarching theme CREATE WHAT MATTERS, the event will explore new ideas and possibilities in design across four floors of Bangkok Kunsthalle.
- Design Experience: Visitors will explore creative spaces that connect concepts with practice. HERE will showcase design work, BETWEEN will host discussions and exchanges of ideas, and ELSEWHERE will feature a design market with more than 30 exhibitors, alongside workshops and business networking opportunities.
- Global Design Pavilions: Leading Thai and international design studios will present work spanning architecture, typography, creative media technology and experience design. Participating studios include CHAT Architects, Cadson Demak, UNFORMAT Studio, OK-RM, LANZA Atelier and PARTY / SPACE / DESIGN.
- Global Speakers & Open Dialogue: More than 16 leading speakers and creative practitioners will share perspectives on the future of design. Participants will include representatives from LANZA Atelier, OK-RM, CHAT Architects, Illusion CGI Studio and PARTY / SPACE / DESIGN.
- Business Matching & Global Networking: The event will connect creative professionals and businesses with international commercial opportunities through business-matching activities at FIND – Design Fair Asia, taking place from 26–28 November 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre investing in the next generation of creative talent.
TCEB is committed to nurturing future talent through a design competition under the theme “WHAT IF THE WORLD OF DESIGN ENDS? WHAT COMES NEXT?” The competition provides students with an opportunity to showcase their creative potential, develop their skills for future careers in the design industry, and build professional networks while gaining valuable experience. Winners will receive round-trip air tickets to Japan, sponsored by Vietjet Thailand, along with other exciting prizes, offering them opportunities to visit design studios, attend events and activities related to art, design and interior design, and exchange ideas with experts in relevant fields. Submissions will be accepted from 1–16 November 2026, with shortlisted entries announced on 22 November 2026 and winners selected on 26 November 2026 at Bangkok Kunsthalle.
