Thailand Week 2026 was held over the weekend at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu, bringing the vibrant spirit of Thailand’s Songkran Water Festival along with Thai products, cultural performances, and new business opportunities for Filipino and Thai enterprises.
With its vibrant mix of shopping, cultural performances, and exciting prizes, Thailand Week 2026 gave Cebuanos a unique opportunity to experience Thailand’s festive traditions while discovering high-quality products and new business opportunities.
Held at the Activity Center, Level 1 of Ayala Center Cebu from March 12 to 15, the four-day event carried the festive theme “Songkran: Water Festival Celebrating the Thai New Year.” Visitors enjoyed a wide array of Thai products, cultural performances, Muay Thai demonstrations, business matching opportunities, and daily raffle prizes.
Organized by the Thai Trade Center (TTC) in Manila under the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, the event officially opens at the ceremony being presided over by H.E. Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines. TTC Director Sutinee Vathana leads her team to welcome distinguished guests from Thailand and the Philippines, namely the Honorable Nestor Archival, the Mayor of Cebu City; Mr. Regan Rex King, President of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Rowena Montecillo, Head of Tourism Department, Office of the Governor of Cebu; Esperanza Melgar, Regional Director, Department of Trade and Industry Region 7; Felix Tagulam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Rodolfo Tigtig from the Office of Honorary Consulate of Thailand in Cebu, to name but a few.
According to Sutinee Vathana, the TTC-Manila Director, Thailand Week 2026 reflects the core concept, “Discover Excellence, Trade with Thailand,” while reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Filipino consumers and businesses while sharing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“Songkran is one of Thailand’s most beloved festivals, symbolizing renewal, joy, and community,” said Sutinee Vathana. “Through Thailand Week 2026, we are delighted to share this festive spirit with our friends in the Philippines while showcasing the quality, creativity, and diversity of Thai products. We hope this exhibition will inspire deeper trade partnerships and cultural connections between our two nations. We are also offering a business matching activity to help these businesses grow together.”
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- Mr. Regan Rex King, President of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. | Contributed photo
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- Honorable Nestor Archival, the Mayor of Cebu City. | Contributed photo
Throughout the four-day fair, visitors explored vibrant collections from more than 50 exhibitors presenting a wide range of Thai products—from food and beverages, fashion and lifestyle items, gems and jewelry, and health and beauty products to household goods—highlighting Thailand’s reputation for quality, creativity, and innovation.
Embracing the festive spirit of Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration, the event also featured a lively lineup of cultural and entertainment activities. Visitors can enjoyed traditional Thai cultural performances, exciting Thai boxing demonstrations by Kid Buak Sipp, cooking shows by Thai chefs and participating Thai restaurants from Cebu, engaging workshops and showcases that brought the energy and traditions of Thailand’s New Year festivities to life.
Daily prize drawings were held throughout the event, with lucky visitors winning grand prizes on the final day, including round-trip tickets to Bangkok courtesy of Cebu Pacific Air and an “Amazing Thailand Bangkok Experience” travel package.
With its vibrant mix of shopping, cultural performances, and exciting prizes, Thailand Week 2026 gave Cebuanos a unique opportunity to experience Thailand’s festive traditions while discovering high-quality products and new business opportunities.
For more information, visit www.ditp.go.th or follow Thai Trade Center Manila on Facebook.
