TAT to Showcase Thai Healing Traditions as Phuket Prepares for Global Wellness Summit 2026
Her Majesty Queen Suthida will open the prestigious four-day summit as Thailand positions itself as a premier global destination for health and healing
- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will co-host the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) in Phuket from November 10-13, 2026, to help establish Thailand as a "Global Health & Healing Destination."
- At the summit, TAT will feature an exhibition titled "Thailand Wellness Journey: The Ultimate Healing Sanctuary" to showcase the nation's diverse healing traditions, including massage, herbal products, and cuisine.
- The event, expected to draw 600 international delegates, provides a key platform for TAT to connect Thai wellness businesses with global industry leaders and investors.
- This initiative supports TAT's "Healing is the New Luxury" campaign, which aims to promote Thailand as a top-tier destination for meaningful and restorative travel.
Her Majesty Queen Suthida will open the prestigious four-day summit as Thailand positions itself as a premier global destination for health and healing.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will showcase the kingdom’s distinctive healing traditions and travel experiences as Phuket prepares to host the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026 from 10 to 13 November.
The summit will provide an international platform supporting Thailand’s ambition to become a “Global Health & Healing Destination”.
Organised by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), with TAT, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and Phuket Province as co-hosts, the event brings together the nation's key tourism and health bodies.
Held at Angsana Laguna Phuket under the theme "The Science, Art & Soul of Wellness", the summit is expected to welcome around 600 Thai and international delegates, including wellness industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and medical experts.
As host destination, Phuket offers established wellness services, natural surroundings, and Thai hospitality while providing a gateway to experiences nationwide.
Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is scheduled to preside over the official opening ceremony on 11 November and deliver the opening address.
A Comprehensive Four-Day Programme
The programme opens on 10 November with delegate welcome activities and evening receptions.
Following the royal opening on 11 November, keynote presentations, plenary sessions, panels, and roundtable discussions will examine global wellness developments, complemented by networking opportunities.
On 12 November, highlights include a student-focused "Shark Tank of Wellness" competition, Innovation Lab, and Gala Evening. The summit concludes on 13 November with additional industry discussions, innovation showcases, and the Global Wellness Summit 2027 host destination announcement.
According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Global Wellness Summit in Phuket gives Thailand a valuable opportunity to share its wellness heritage with international industry leaders. Thai wellness combines traditional healing knowledge, nature, cuisine, culture and the genuine care of Thai hospitality.
"As a co-host, TAT aims to connect these experiences with international markets, creating opportunities for Thai businesses and communities while positioning Thailand as a destination for meaningful travel and wellbeing," Thapanee said.
TAT’s participation supports its promotion of Thailand’s Health & Wellness tourism through "Healing is the New Luxury", reflecting a growing demand for restorative, meaningful travel. Aligned with its "Value over Volume" direction, the approach prioritises quality experiences, international service standards and economic benefits for local communities.
Showcasing Regional Heritage and Innovation
At the summit, TAT will present "Thailand Wellness Journey: The Ultimate Healing Sanctuary" through a dedicated exhibition booth showcasing wellness routes across Thailand’s five regions.
The display brings together traditional medicine, massage, cuisine, cultural heritage, and natural resources to highlight Thailand’s potential for physical and mental restoration.
A broad spectrum of public and private sector entities will present alongside TAT:
DTAM: Presenting regional Thai massage traditions, herbal products, and food-based wellness.
TCEB: Showcasing Thailand’s international meetings and events capabilities.
Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation: Highlighting Phuket’s local crafts and cultural heritage.
Industry Leaders: Exhibitors including Amathopia (food innovation), Laguna (spa experiences), and BDMS Wellness Clinic and Chiva-Som (wellness service innovations).
Research & Healthcare Sector: The Government Pharmaceutical Organization and research and life sciences agencies will present healthcare products and related technologies, reflecting the range of Thailand’s wellness industry.
TAT will build international connections beyond the summit by linking Thai wellness operators with overseas partners and developing travel experiences that combine health and healing with gastronomy, culture, and community life.
This reflects TAT’s "Transform Together" approach under Thailand’s 2027 tourism direction, supporting public-private collaboration, greater local value, and the ambition to become "Asia’s No. 1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination".
Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand
