Queen Suthida to open 20th Global Wellness Summit in Phuket on November 11
Around 600 Thai and international delegates are expected at the Phuket summit, marking its 20th anniversary from November 10–13.
- Her Majesty Queen Suthida will preside over the opening ceremony for the 20th Global Wellness Summit at Angsana Laguna Phuket on November 11, 2026.
- The Queen's involvement is expected to reinforce Thailand's profile as a regional wellness hub.
- Organizers invited Her Majesty due to her longstanding interest in health and sport, highlighting her achievements as a high-performance athlete in sailing and running.
- Summit leaders described the Queen's participation as a "great honour" and an "extraordinary moment for the wellness industry".
Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is scheduled to preside over the opening of the 20th Global Wellness Summit (GWS) at Angsana Laguna Phuket on the morning of November 11, 2026, according to the organisers.
The Global Wellness Summit runs from November 10–13 under the theme “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness”, celebrating the organisation’s 20th anniversary. Around 600 delegates from Thailand and abroad are expected, including wellness industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and medical experts.
The royal opening is expected to reinforce Thailand’s profile as a regional wellness hub. Phuket’s role as host draws on its established wellness services, natural surroundings and Thai hospitality, with the island also serving as a gateway to experiences elsewhere in the country.
Organisers highlight Queen Suthida’s sporting achievements
GWS organisers cited Queen Suthida’s longstanding interest in health and sport as a particular reason to welcome Her Majesty's participation in the anniversary gathering.
Queen Suthida helped lead Thailand’s sailing team to a historic gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. GWS organisers highlighted the achievement as part of Her Majesty’s record as a high-performance athlete.
Queen Suthida was also appointed the International Ice Hockey Federation’s first Women’s Global Ambassador and ran the half marathon alongside Eliud Kipchoge at the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025.
GWS organisers described Queen Suthida’s discipline and commitment to healthy living as an inspiration to younger generations and the wider Thai public.
Global Wellness Summit leaders welcome royal opening
Susie Ellis, chair and chief executive of GWS, described welcoming Queen Suthida to the 20th-anniversary event as the honour of a lifetime and “an extraordinary moment for the wellness industry”.
Ellis said the royal opening would be a historic and unforgettable occasion for delegates from around the world, adding that Queen Suthida’s leadership and dedication to health, wellness and sport were an inspiration to the industry.
Professor Jiří Dvořák, a summit co-chair and Swiss-based neurology professor affiliated with BDMS Wellness Clinic, described Queen Suthida as a highly disciplined, top-level athlete, drawing on his experience overseeing Her Majesty’s musculoskeletal training.
“When she trains, her entire team trains as well,” Dvořák said of Queen Suthida, explaining that palace staff also exercised and looked after their health. Dvořák described Her Majesty’s participation in the summit’s opening as a great honour.
