SONGKHLA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai at Central Hatyai, taking place from 30 January to 1 February 2026, reinforcing Southern Thailand’s appeal to expatriates and long-stay visitors while stimulating regional travel demand under the Go South campaign.
The opening ceremony, held today from 16.00 to 17.00 Hrs, was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, with the participation of consuls-general and international representatives based in Songkhla, alongside government agencies, private sector partners, tourism operators, and media. The ceremony underscores strong multi-sector collaboration in advancing Southern Thailand as an internationally connected tourism region.
Ms. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, TAT Executive Director of the Southern Region Department, said, “Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai reflects TAT’s commitment to positioning Southern Thailand as an accessible, experience-rich region for expatriates and long-stay visitors. By creating a platform that brings tourism businesses, local communities, and international audiences together, we aim to stimulate meaningful travel, encourage quality spending, and strengthen regional economies through deeper engagement rather than volume alone.”
The fair brings together tourism operators from Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Ko Samui, presenting special travel offers with discounts of up to 50 per cent across hotels, accommodation, and travel packages. On-site promotions, including time-limited flash sales and numerous exclusive privileges, enabling direct purchasing throughout the three-day event.
Beyond travel promotions, the programme highlights Southern Thai cultural identity through live performances and creative activities, including Peranakan dance, and hands-on workshops such as chocolate-making and bead crafting led by Songkhla-based craft entrepreneurs. These elements are designed to enhance cultural tourism appeal and offer an immersive, experience-led environment for international and domestic visitors.
TAT expects more than 2,000 visitors and generating over 8 million baht in economic activity throughout the fair, reaffirming Hat Yai’s role as a key economic and tourism hub and its capacity to host international-scale events that support sustained growth across Southern Thailand. (TAT)
