Cabinet Approves Double Tax Deduction to Boost Thailand’s MICE Sector
The Thai Ministry of Finance has proposed a Cabinet‑approved tax measure that would allow companies to deduct MICE‑related expenses at twice the actual cost, running from approval through December 2027. Officials say the incentive aims to stimulate the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector, which generated 338.2 billion baht and over 300,000 jobs in 2025, while attracting more international events and shifting tourism toward higher‑value visitors.
The Ministry of Finance has proposed that the Cabinet approve the principle of a tax measure to support the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector, granting companies the ability to deduct expenses at twice the actual amount spent on venue rental and service fees for domestic trade shows, exhibitions, and fairs. The measure would take effect from the date of Cabinet approval and run until 31 December 2027, with participating firms required to obtain a certificate from event organizers confirming their actual attendance and compliance with conditions set by the Revenue Department’s director‑general.
Lalida Perisiwatana, Deputy Government Spokesperson, said the MICE industry plays a vital role in driving the economy through tourism, investment, employment, and income distribution to related businesses across all regions. She cited the Thailand MICE Economic and Social Impact 2025 report, which showed the sector generated 338.2 billion baht in economic value and created 304,932 jobs in 2025.
A similar tax incentive was previously in place from 2022 to the end of that year, allowing double deductions for the same types of expenses. The new proposal seeks to provide continuous support to attract international events, increase spending by high‑value travelers, and promote hotels, restaurants, transport, tourism, and related services while spreading income to regional and local communities and positioning Thailand as a premier destination for MICE activities.
The Ministry estimates that about 3,800 companies will use the benefit, with annual spending on eligible activities of roughly 3.99 billion baht, leading to an estimated annual revenue loss of 798 million baht for the state. However, it projects that the measure will boost revenue and employment in the MICE sector and its supply chain, potentially creating 350,672 jobs and enabling annual growth of 10-15 percent if sustained.
Lalida added that the goal is not merely to cut costs for participants but to use the tax incentive as a stimulus for broader economic activity—from conferences and exhibitions to trade shows—linking revenue to hotels, restaurants, travel, transport, and local services, thereby attracting more international events and shifting Thailand’s tourism focus from volume to high value.
The Office of MICE Promotion (a public organization) endorsed the approach, while the Office of the Council of State confirmed that the measure falls within the Cabinet’s authority.
