Queen Suthida opens Global Wellness Summit 2026 in Phuket

Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the opening of the Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026) at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Wednesday (November 11), as Thailand highlighted its ambitions to become a leading international health and wellness destination.

The Queen arrived outside the hotel's ACES conference hall at 8.34am, where she was welcomed by Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul and Phuket Deputy Governor Romdon Hayi-awae.

Other officials receiving Her Majesty included Pol Maj Gen Surachai Suksai, commander of Phuket Provincial Police; Thanayut Siwayapram, chief judge of the Phuket Provincial Court; Maj Gen Rungroj Ananto, commander of the 41st Military Circle; Rear Adm Sathaporn Wajarat, chief of staff of the Third Naval Area Command; and Pol Maj Gen Suwitcha Jindakam, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8.

Global Wellness Summit chair and CEO Susie Ellis and chief creative officer and executive director Nancy Davis were also present, alongside a royal aide-de-camp and government officials.

Summit brings together global wellness leaders

Her Majesty then entered the ACES conference hall to formally open the summit under the theme "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness".

The theme focuses on combining scientific knowledge, art and spiritual wellbeing to promote better health and quality of life.

The gathering also provides a platform for international leaders, specialists, investors and businesses in the health and wellness tourism sectors to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for cooperation.

Phuket highlights Thailand's wellness ambitions

A central objective of the summit is to encourage strategic investment in the wellness economy while ensuring that economic opportunities extend sustainably to local communities.

The event aims to generate greater economic value, distribute income more widely and establish a foundation for the long-term development of the wellness industry.

As host province, Phuket provides an opportunity to showcase Thailand's strengths in health and wellness services to an international audience, supporting the country's ambition to establish itself as a global wellness destination.