Thailand to host Global Wellness Summit 2026, set to drive wellness economy
Thailand has been selected to host the prestigious Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026). The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine said this marks a golden opportunity to promote Thai health and beauty products worldwide.
The department’s deputy director-general, Somsak Kreechai, said the event will take place in Phuket. He emphasised that this global platform will reinforce Thailand’s role as a leader in health and beauty, particularly in traditional medicine and indigenous wisdom.
Thailand’s selection reflects both our potential and the confidence of the international community, he said. The GWS is a high-level annual gathering of experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers in the wellness industry, where knowledge is exchanged and the sector’s future direction is shaped.
Somsak noted that previous host countries included economic and investment hubs such as the United States and Italy. This year’s edition will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 18 to 21, under the theme ‘Longevity Through a Wellness Lens’.
As host, Thailand will gain the privilege of nominating keynote speakers and contributing to the summit’s academic content. This offers an important channel to showcase Thai traditional medicine, herbal remedies, and Thai massage to the global community, he said, enhancing international recognition and strengthening Thailand’s position as a regional health hub.
He added that hosting GWS 2026 is expected to generate over 100 million baht in direct revenue from the event itself, with additional economic benefits from wellness tourism and related industries such as hotels, restaurants, and services.
Beyond the immediate impact, the summit is also seen as a driver of the government’s soft power policy and a long-term boost to Thailand’s health and wellness sector.
It will create opportunities for business networking, investment, and international cooperation in health policy, leading to new projects and systematic development of Thai professionals in the industry.
Somsak stressed that the Public Health Ministry’s role today extends beyond medical treatment to driving the economy through high-potential health industries such as wellness tourism.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, he said, has taken a proactive approach by aligning traditional Thai medicine and herbal products with international standards, while promoting health services as part of tourism.
This integration of healthcare with economic development will truly elevate Thailand’s potential and showcase our wisdom on the world stage, he concluded.
