PHUKET, Thailand – Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presided over the opening of the 20th Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026 at Angsana Laguna Phuket on November 11, delivering the Royal opening address to international wellness leaders attending the 10–13 November event. Organised by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Phuket Province as co-hosts, the summit unites global expertise in health, longevity and wellness innovation.
The Royal opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health; Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, M.D., Director-General of DTAM; Ms. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB; Ms. Susie Ellis and Ms. Nancy Davis, Founders, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute, alongside senior government officials and international industry leaders.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Public Health outlined the summit’s objectives and requested the Royal opening address before introducing representatives of 10 supporting organisations, including TAT, TCEB and DTAM, who received plaques of recognition from Her Majesty. Her Majesty also toured exhibitions presented by Thai public and private-sector organisations, including TAT’s showcase, where Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, had the honour of presenting Thailand’s wellness tourism experiences across the country’s five regions.
The four-day summit brings together around 600 delegates, including global wellness leaders, investors and medical experts. The programme covers developments in the global wellness economy, longevity, preventive healthcare, hospitality and innovation. Opening-day highlights include Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, DTAM Director-General, on traditional wisdom and modern medicine; Katherine Johnston of the Global Wellness Institute presenting the 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor; and Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner.
Among the notable Thai speakers featured through 13 November are Public Health Minister Mr. Pattana Promphat on Thailand’s wellness future, Chiva-Som Chairman and CEO Krip Rojanastien on wellness destination development, and Minor International founder William E. Heinecke on hospitality. The programme also features the Innovation Lab and a student-focused “Shark Tank of Wellness” competition.
For TAT, the summit provides an opportunity to introduce Thai wellness to international industry partners through a dedicated “Thailand Wellness Journey: The Ultimate Healing Sanctuary” exhibition. TAT is showcasing wellness travel routes across Thailand’s five regions under “Healing is the New Luxury”, combining traditional healing knowledge, massage, herbs, cuisine, nature and culture to support Thailand’s positioning as a “Global Health & Healing Destination”.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The Global Wellness Summit allows international industry leaders to experience Thai wellness first-hand. We aim to turn interest into lasting partnerships that bring meaningful travel experiences and greater opportunities to Thai businesses and communities. Through ‘Transform Together’, we are connecting public and private partners to create local value and support Thailand’s ambition to become ‘Asia’s No.1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination’.”
Guided by its Value over Volume direction, TAT is focusing on quality wellness experiences that meet international service standards and benefit local communities. Beyond the summit, TAT is working with tourism and healthcare partners to develop travel experiences combining Thailand’s healing heritage with gastronomy, culture, craftsmanship and community life. (TAT)
