Thai Cabinet Approves in Principle MICE Tax Measure Allowing Double Expense Deductions for Domestic Trade Exhibitions
The Thai Cabinet has approved in principle a tax incentive measure to support the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, allowing companies and juristic partnerships to deduct twice the actual amount of eligible expenses incurred for exhibition space rental or participation services at domestic trade fairs and exhibitions. The proposed measure aims to stimulate economic activity, create business opportunities, and enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s MICE industry.
Proposed by the Ministry of Finance, the measure is intended to encourage greater business participation in domestic trade fairs, exhibitions, and related events. By introducing tax incentives, the government seeks to support trade, investment, and business expansion through the MICE sector.
Beyond reducing costs for participating businesses, the initiative also aims to stimulate spending across related industries, including hotels, restaurants, transportation, logistics, and local services. This could help increase economic circulation and distribute income to regional economies.
What Is the MICE Double Expense Deduction Tax Measure?
The proposed MICE tax measure would allow eligible companies and juristic partnerships to claim tax deductions equivalent to twice the actual amount of qualifying expenses incurred when participating in domestic trade fairs and exhibitions, subject to specified criteria and conditions.
Eligible expenses under the proposal include exhibition space rental fees and participation service fees. The proposed eligibility period runs from the date of the Cabinet’s approval in principle through 31 December 2027.
Businesses seeking to claim the deduction would be required to obtain a certificate of participation from the event organiser and comply with the regulations prescribed by the Revenue Department. Actual entitlement to the deduction will depend on the applicable legislation coming into force.
Who Could Benefit from the MICE Tax Measure?
The measure targets companies and juristic partnerships that incur expenses when participating in trade fairs and exhibitions held in Thailand.
It is particularly relevant to businesses seeking to introduce products and services, establish professional networks, and connect with new customers or business partners through exhibitions.
By potentially reducing participation-related costs, the proposed tax incentive could encourage more businesses to consider MICE activities as a channel for marketing, trade development, and business expansion.
Greater participation could also generate additional business activity and increased demand for services provided by event organisers, exhibition venues, and related industries.
How Could the MICE Tax Measure Stimulate Thailand’s Economy?
The MICE industry connects business activities with multiple sectors of the economy, including conferences, trade exhibitions, travel, accommodation, tourism, and supporting services.
Encouraging more companies to participate in domestic trade exhibitions could therefore create benefits beyond businesses directly claiming tax deductions. It could also stimulate spending and generate opportunities throughout the broader industry value chain.
This is particularly relevant to exhibitions held in cities and regions across Thailand, where events can connect local businesses with visiting participants, facilitate trade opportunities, and support income distribution to local communities.
Thailand’s MICE Industry Generates More Than THB 338.23 Billion in Economic Value
According to the figures provided for 2025, Thailand’s MICE industry generated more than THB 338.233 billion in economic value and supported 304,932 jobs, highlighting its contribution to economic activity and employment.
For the proposed tax measure, the Ministry of Finance estimates that approximately 3,800 businesses could utilise the incentive, with exhibition participation expenses totalling around THB 3.99 billion annually.
Additional estimates suggest that the MICE industry has the potential to support up to 350,672 jobs, reflecting opportunities for further employment and economic development.
