IMPACT Announces the Launch of a Smart City Project Covering 4,000 Rai, with an Investment of 3.5 Billion Baht to Develop a Luxury Hotel Designed to Support World-Class MICE Events Thailand and Entertainment Events

Paul Kanchanapas, CEO of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., unveils the plan to develop Muang Thong Thani into a 4,000-rai Smart City. A pivotal transformation will begin next year with the development of 600 rai of lakeside land in anticipation of the Pink Line MRT's extension to IMPACT in May 2025. The company is investing 3.5 billion baht to construct a 1,000-room luxury hotel to support world-class entertainment events, which will greatly enhance MICE Events Thailand. Additionally, the company aims to strengthen its presence in China by partnering with Live Nation to attract global events, targeting a revenue of 5 billion baht by 2030.

 

Muang Thong Thani's 4,000 Rai Transformation

Paul Kanchanapas revealed to Prachachat Business that IMPACT has crafted a new strategic plan in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and relevant government agencies to elevate Muang Thong Thani into a fully-fledged Smart City. The area will host two stations on the Pink Line MRT extension, scheduled to open in May 2025. This development is expected to significantly contribute to MICE Events Thailand.

Smart City Development

The company has a three-year Smart City development plan. The first phase will focus on passenger transportation, investing 80-100 million baht to install over 200 smart CCTV cameras across the 4,000-rai area. The real-time data from these cameras will help manage and resolve traffic issues, which are currently the most talked about problem. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of MICE Events Thailand to create a seamless event experience.

Subsequently, this real-time database will be used to manage other areas such as electricity usage, people flow, and vehicle numbers within the area. The first phase is expected to be completed by March 2025, further enhancing MICE Events Thailand capabilities.

“We aim to transform our community into a Smart City, which has always been our direction. As landlords, we have a clear plan to modernize this vast area,” Paul said, highlighting the importance of MICE Events Thailand in this transformation.

The CCTV system will function like Google Maps, showing traffic conditions, accidents, and vehicle speeds, enabling better traffic flow management. This will enhance convenience and safety for residents, making it an ideal location for MICE Events Thailand.

   

MRT Extension: A New Milestone

The Pink Line MRT extension (Khae Rai-Min Buri) will have two stations in Muang Thong Thani: IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Station (Challenger 1 building) and Muang Thong Thani Lake Station (front of the lake), with a test run planned for April 2025 and full service in May 2025. This extension will significantly improve travel convenience and efficiently alleviate traffic congestion, benefitting MICE Events Thailand.

“We aim to have the MRT ready for major events like THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2025 by the end of May,” Paul mentioned. With the CCTV system completed by March, traffic problems in Muang Thong Thani will be significantly reduced, marking a crucial turning point for the area. This development will further support MICE Events Thailand.

Development of 600 Rai Lakeside Area

The company plans to develop 600 rai of lakeside land, including a Family Entertainment Complex worth 5-6 billion baht, aligned with the Pink Line MRT (Muang Thong Thani Lake Station) extension. The project will also include 2,000 additional hotel rooms within five years to cater to future business expansion and tourism. The first phase will see an investment of 3.5 billion baht for 1,000 hotel rooms, expected to commence in 2025. This development will be a significant boost for MICE Events Thailand.

“IMPACT is not just about building more event halls but creating an ecosystem conducive to hosting MICE Events Thailand. Currently, we have two hotels, Ibis Bangkok IMPACT and Novotel Bangkok IMPACT, totaling about 1,000 rooms. We plan to add another 2,000 rooms within five years, making Muang Thong Thani home to 3,000 rooms,” Paul said.

Adjusting Plans for Casino

IMPACT is monitoring the government's progress on the Entertainment Complex (Casino) project, believing Muang Thong Thani is ideal for such investment due to its comprehensive facilities. If selected, the company is ready to adjust its business plan accordingly, which would be a notable development for MICE Events Thailand.

“We are confident that Muang Thong Thani is well-prepared for an Entertainment Complex with a casino, given its strategic location and vast area. If chosen, we are ready to adapt our business plan immediately,” Paul stated. However, even if Muang Thong Thani is not selected, the company will continue with the Family Entertainment project as planned, which will still positively impact MICE Events Thailand.

Expanding into the Chinese Market

For exhibition and event management, IMPACT sees continuous growth in the IMPACT Arena and Challenger Halls. The company has established the China Task Force Team to boost revenue from the Chinese market, aiming to increase revenue from China to 1 billion baht within 3-5 years, up from the current 100 million baht. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen MICE Events Thailand.

“We view China as a large and highly potential market for exhibitions and incentives. This also opens up more opportunities for connectivity between Thailand and China,” Paul added, emphasizing the significance of MICE Events Thailand.

Partnering with Live Nation for Global Events

IMPACT is considering a joint venture with Live Nation Entertainment to manage IMPACT Growth REIT, enhancing its capability to host international events and world-class concerts. This partnership aims to support Thailand as a key destination for global concert tours, aligning with the objectives of MICE Events Thailand.

“We have been in discussions since before the COVID-19 crisis. We believe Live Nation will help position Thailand as a top destination for world-class concert tours. Their global events will be hosted at IMPACT,” Paul said.

Targeting 5 Billion Baht Revenue by 2030

For 2024, IMPACT targets total revenue of 2.1 billion baht, divided into 500 million baht from rental income, 1 billion baht from F&B and catering, 400 million baht from hotels (Novotel, Ibis), and 200 million baht from management fees and other incomes. These figures reflect the growing importance of MICE Events Thailand.

The company aims to reach 5 billion baht in revenue by 2030, driven by increased revenue from the Chinese market, additional hotel rooms, and expanded F&B, catering, and rental services. This ambitious target underscores the vital role of MICE Events Thailand in their growth strategy.

For more information, please contact the IMPACT team at +66 2 833 5252 or view the photos at www.impact.co.th