Bangkok, 15 June 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcased Thai wellness at the First International Tai Chi Development Conference, held on 14 June in Bangkok. Under the theme “Tai Chi and the World, Sino-Thai Family Bond”, the event strengthened people-to-people exchange between Thailand and China through culture, martial arts, wellness, and travel.
The conference also highlighted the growing role of health and culture-led tourism in fostering meaningful connections between the two nations, while presenting Thailand as a destination where wellness experiences are closely linked with local knowledge, hospitality, and travel.
The opening programme brought together senior representatives from the public and private sectors, including Mr. Pasakorn Rangsiwatanasak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports; H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand; Mr. Narongsak Putthaprommongkol, Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Wang Zhenghua, Chairman of Spring Group and a long-time Tai Chi practitioner and advocate.
Mr. Boonrapee Damrongrat, TAT Director of East Asia Market Division, said, “TAT commends all parties involved in organising this landmark conference, which brings together the cultural strengths of Thailand and China through Tai Chi as living heritage. Holding the event in Thailand reflects the close bond between our two nations and shows how travel can create meaningful exchange through shared traditions. By presenting Thai massage alongside Tai Chi, we connect two wellness practices that align with TAT’s communication concept, Healing is the New Luxury.”
The full-day conference brought together Chunqiu Group, also known as Spring Group, with coordination support from Spring Airlines’ Thailand Office and Guangdong Yang Cheng Zhi Lv International Travel Service, alongside partner organisations including the Shanghai Jingwu Sports Association, the World Yongnian Tai Chi Federation, and Thailand Tai Chi Association.
Senior Tai Chi masters from China joined Thai cultural and martial arts representatives to perform and exchange Tai Chi culture, promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both nations.
The programme featured opening cultural performances, a cooperation signing among partner organisations, Tai Chi and Chinese martial arts demonstrations, Chinese-Thai cultural exchange sessions, award presentations, exhibitions, friendship cup Tai Chi showcases, master-led feedback, and a collective Tai Chi learning session. TAT also jointly organised a Thai massage demonstration, presenting Thailand’s wellness knowledge as part of the event’s cultural exchange component.
To further enhance destination awareness among Chinese travellers, the conference was complemented by two related travel programmes in Thailand. The participating group from China joined a six-day sightseeing programme in Pattaya and Bangkok, linked to the conference. Separately, TAT Guangzhou Office collaborated with Spring Airlines to host a five-day familiarisation trip for three Chinese key opinion leaders from 12–16 June 2026, covering Bangkok, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. The fam trip allowed participants to experience Thailand’s wellness, cultural, and tourism offerings first-hand, with the conference included as part of the itinerary.
TAT’s participation aligns with its China-market campaign Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads, which invites Chinese travellers to follow their personal interests and discover meaningful experiences across Thailand.
