The STYLE Bangkok 2023 event, held in Bangkok at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from March 22 to 26, was a resounding success after its two-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event marked the sixth time the international trade fair was held.
The event showcased Thailand’s creativity, particularly in its blend of tradition and modernity in design. The fair featured over 500 exhibitors showcasing and selling their goods at nearly 1,000 booths. Exhibitors displayed a range of products, including furniture, home decor, fashion, and accessories, highlighting traditional art and handcrafting techniques.
Thai design is known for its ability to incorporate traditional elements and transform them into contemporary ones that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The materials and textures used are often inspired by the rich natural resources of the country, including the use of wood and other materials. Additionally, the commitment to sustainability was evident as the fair featured products made from recycled materials and those that incorporated renewable energy sources.
With the theme “sustainability+,” the organizers hoped to make the event a platform to promote and raise awareness of sustainable marketing, with the ultimate goal of accelerating Thailand’s transformation into an Asian hub for lifestyle items and fashion.
The event had a significant impact on the Thai economy, particularly in the lifestyle and fashion industry. More than 90% of businesses in this sector are SMEs employing over 1 million workers. Exports of lifestyle and fashion goods in 2022 grew 16.5% year on year and were worth 450 billion baht.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade Thailand President Sanan Angubolkul noted that the timing of STYLE Bangkok 2023 was ideal as Thailand has fully opened itself for tourism and trade with countries worldwide. The event confirmed Thailand’s readiness and potential to host any global event while expanding exports.
The fair had a particular focus on the real estate market, with a significant number of exhibitors showcasing real estate developments and related products. Developers such as Thanasiri Group took advantage of the growing market, with plans to launch four new projects worth 3.3 billion baht in 2023, aiming to generate 1.8 billion baht in presales. Over a third of the total amount is expected to come from joint ventures with Japanese partners. Other developers, such as AP Thailand, Noble, and Supalai, also showcased their ambitious projects during the event.
STYLE Bangkok is the leading lifestyle and fashion trade fair in the country, with a solid commitment to redefining design’s influence on everyday life. The event’s sustainability concept remained a major factor, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Board of Trade of Thailand.
In addition to showcasing design and fashion, the Art Zone space presented the work of ten up-and-coming and established Thai artists and entrepreneurs with diverse styles designed to inspire the concept of ‘Caring for Sharing.’
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