TAT launches Expat Travel Fair 2026 in Hat Yai

Thailand

New Go South initiative targets expatriates and long-stay visitors with value-led offers and cultural experiences across Southern Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai, reinforcing Southern Thailand’s positioning as an attractive destination for expatriates and long-stay travelers. Held at Central Hatyai from 30 January to 1 February 2026, the event forms part of TAT’s Go South campaign, aimed at stimulating regional travel demand and strengthening tourism-driven economic activity in the South.

The opening ceremony took place on 30 January, led by the Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province and attended by consuls-general and international representatives based in Songkhla, along with government agencies, private sector partners, tourism operators, and media. The presence of multiple stakeholders highlighted the collaborative approach underpinning efforts to develop Southern Thailand as a well-connected and internationally oriented tourism region.

Platform for expat and long-stay markets

According to Ms. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, Executive Director of TAT’s Southern Region Department, the fair reflects a strategic focus on depth of engagement rather than visitor volume alone. “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,” she said.

Tourism operators from Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Ko Samui are participating in the fair, offering a wide range of promotions. These include discounts of up to 50 percent on hotels, accommodation, and travel packages, as well as time-limited flash sales and exclusive on-site privileges, allowing visitors to make direct purchases throughout the three-day event.

Culture-led programming alongside travel offers

Beyond commercial promotions, the fair places strong emphasis on Southern Thai cultural identity. Live performances, including Peranakan dance, are complemented by creative workshops such as chocolate-making and bead crafting, led by craft entrepreneurs from Songkhla. These activities are designed to showcase local creativity, support community-based tourism, and provide an immersive, experience-driven setting for both international and domestic visitors.

Economic impact and regional role of Hat Yai

TAT expects the Expat Travel Fair 2026 @Hatyai to attract more than 2,000 visitors and generate over 8 million baht in economic activity. The event underlines Hat Yai’s role as a key economic and tourism hub in Southern Thailand, as well as its capacity to host international-scale events that contribute to sustained regional growth.

With its combination of targeted travel offers, cultural programming, and cross-sector collaboration, the fair serves as a practical extension of the Go South campaign and TAT’s broader strategy to diversify demand and strengthen long-stay tourism across Southern Thailand.