Thailand's trade exhibition industry is expected to grow significantly next year thanks to political stability and a positive short-term economic outlook, says Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd (BES).
However, martial law and military influence in the interim government may cause a slowdown in foreign investment.
"I don't see any significant problems next year. I think international business communities understand the real situation in Thailand," said Justin Pau, general manager of BES.
Thailand is ranked 18th among 183 countries by the World Bank for ease of doing business. However, some foreign companies may hold back new investment until the country has a new general election leading to the formation of a new government, Mr Pau said.
The company will inform its clients and event visitors about the updated situation in Thailand and explain that the country is a safe place to visit and do business.
"Martial law is just a symbol of a military regime. In practice, it's not serious martial law, but some countries look at it in a negative way. If martial law is lifted, it will improve the feeling of foreign communities towards Thailand," Mr Pau said.
BES is the organiser of Food & Hotel Thailand 2014 and Propak Asia 2014.
ProPak Asia was held in June at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre and welcomed about 36,000 visitors, up 5% from last year. Although the event was prepared at a time of political tension, it had strong growth, with 85-90% of visitors being locals.
The success showed the high business potential in Thailand, especially as an export country within Asean but also at the global level.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau projects Thailand will welcome 888,201 meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions visitors providing revenue of 87.2 billion baht this year, down from 1.01 million visitors and 88.5 billion in revenue last year.
For exhibitions only, visitors will number 163,398 for revenue of 13.1 billion baht, down from 191,319 visitors and 14.5 billion baht in 2013.