Bangkok Festival Set To Draw 10,000 Visitors, Bolster Malaysia’s 2026 Tourism Drive

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture is targeting 10,000 visitors for the Malaysia Food and Culture Festival 2025, held from June 29 to June 30, 2025, at Samyan Mitrtown, Bangkok.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, stated that with the venue’s average daily footfall of about 50,000 people, the festival is expected to attract at least 20 per cent of visitors over the two days.

“The strategic location, situated near a major university and surrounded by office buildings and family-friendly spaces, makes it an ideal venue for engaging students, professionals, and families alike,” Tiong told Bernama on Sunday (June 29).

He added that the vibrancy of the festival invites the public to experience the essence of Malaysia through its rich culinary offerings, captivating cultural performances, and exclusive tourism promotions, all in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Tiong, who is on a working visit to Bangkok from June 27 to July 3, officiated at the festival, aiming to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and lay the foundation for stronger ties ahead of VM2026.

He emphasised that the festival plays a significant role in the lead-up to next year’s Visit Malaysia, aiming to boost visibility and strengthen Malaysia’s image as a welcoming and diverse travel destination.

“This initiative directly contributes to our 2025 tourism targets of achieving 43 million international tourist arrivals and generating RM283.8 billion in tourism receipts for the country,” he said.

Tiong noted that the festival is part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to promote VM2026, particularly by encouraging Thai tourists to explore Malaysia’s unique attractions.

“Hosting the festival at such a high-traffic and accessible location allows us to showcase Malaysian culture and cuisine to a wide audience, encouraging more Thai and regional travellers to consider Malaysia for their next holiday destination,” he added.

According to Tourism Malaysia’s records, Thailand contributed 2.26 million visitors to Malaysia in 2024, generating RM3.994 billion in tourism receipts.

-- BERNAMA