Thailand Selected to Host IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 in Bangkok

Thailand is chosen to host „IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025“, one of the world’s largest conferences on diabetes for the first time in the Southeast Asia region, reinforcing Thailand’s strategy towards becoming a global Medical Hub as well as leveraging Thai medical and public health. The Congress in 2025 is forecast to attract 10,000 participants from around the world, generating over 420 million baht in revenue for the country.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), revealed that TCEB, in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Thailand under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, has submitted a bid for the right to host the IDF World Diabetes Congress, one of the world’s largest international conferences on diabetes, to be held in Thailand. Latest development unveils the country’s success when International Diabetes Federation (IDF) selects Bangkok as host city of the IDF World Diabetes Congress in 2025 (IDF 2025).

“This is a great opportunity for Thailand to host a world-class medical conference on diabetes. It also gives the Thai government and private sectors as well as stakeholders a platform to cooperate as host and support the organization of the IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 (IDF 2025) which will take place between April 7-10, 2025, at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC),” he said.

Chiruit continued that the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry  around the world has been showing a noticeable sign of recovery, in line with TCEB’s mission that aims to promote Thailand as the world’s destination for conventions and exhibitions by attracting world-class events to be held in Thailand. The successful bid to host the IDF 2025 is, therefore, considered an important achievement for Thailand. It is also aligned with the country’s 20-year strategy to promote Thailand as medical hub, one of the five industries of the future (New S-Curve) that has high potential to drive the economy for the future of Thailand. It is expected that IDF 2025 will attract 10,000 participants from all over the world, generating more than 420 million baht in revenue.

The Congress is also forecast to help generate about 800 million baht in economic stimulus, contribute to gross domestic products (GDP) by approximately 440 million baht, creating employment for approximately 560 jobs, and generating about 27 million baht in tax revenue.

Prof. Akhtar Hussain, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), said that the IDF World Diabetes Congress’s objectives include providing an ideal forum for the global diabetes community to continue to make the case for the level of attention, recognition, and resources that diabetes deserves. The congress will also help foster the collaborations, connections and political actions required to place diabetes at the top of the global health agenda and improve the lives of people living with diabetes and those at risk. The IDF is delighted to bring the IDF World Diabetes Congress to Bangkok. Thailand in 2025.

Thailand locates in the Western Pacific region which is among the most impacted. It is home to over one in three of all people living with diabetes. As we work to achieve the ambitious global diabetes targets agreed by WHO, I look forward to welcoming the global diabetes community in Bangkok in April 2025 to shape the future of diabetes.

Prof. Emeritus Wannee Nitiyanant, M.D., President of the Diabetes Association of Thailand, said that in 2011 the United Nations affirmed Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes as a major global health threat as proposed by IDF and another 2 organizations. Established in 1950, IDF is a non-profit umbrella organization of more than 240 national diabetes associations in 161 countries and territories.

The IDF World Diabetes Congress is held every two years in member country/territory and rotates across continents around the world. Participants included diabetes doctors, nurses, nutritionists, healthcare professionals, representatives from government agencies involved in public health policymaking and healthcare systems as well as diabetic patients.

“Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia that has been granted the right to host the IDF World Diabetes Congress. This will be an important opportunity for Thailand to raise awareness of its outstanding, quality medical services, as well as to showcase the country’s multidimensional readiness in hosting world-class medical conferences. On top of that, it is the chance to demonstrate our world-renowned culture and attractions to the global audience,” she elaborated.

Dr. Narong Saiwong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said that In Thailand, there are about 300,000 new cases of diabetes per year. In 2022, studies show that out of 3.3 million patients recorded at medical facilities under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), only 29% can manage to control normal blood sugar level. Failing to receive continuous and appropriate care according to standard guidelines may lead to complications in various systems of the body, resulting in disabilities and premature death. This has an impact on the quality of life for patients, families, society, and the country, as well as the economic burden. The estimated healthcare expenditure for treating diabetes is as high as 47,596 million baht per year.

„The Ministry of Public Health emphasizes the importance of educating diabetic patients, enabling them to prevent complications and control blood sugar levels through the use of a public health diary application. The Ministry also provides knowledge and mental health care to patients, as well as promoting behavior changes for diabetes control among individuals, households, and communities.

We are delighted to co-host IDF 2025. In addition to showcasing Thailand’s potential in healthcare, as the country selected by WHO to showcase the model of public health emergencies and comprehensive health management in 2022, the Congress is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals and diabetes patients in Thailand to exchange and learn about new research and advancements in diabetes prevention, treatment, and control.“

Mr. Suksan Kittisupakorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, said that public health is an important issue for Bangkok. Recently, Bangkok hosted the 2^nd Bangkok Health Zoning conference to expand public health services and develop a service model that is beneficial to the people, bringing technology to help reach people faster.

“Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) also launches 24 other policies that will strengthen the public health system. Among those, a policy on diabetes which the BMA categorized as „Urban Disease“ is included.

Besides, the readiness of public health, Bangkok is also an economic center city that is rich in diversities covering multiculturalism, ethnicity, food, ancient sites, contemporary architecture, meeting venues, art and culture centers, museums, and many other multi-purpose areas. Stakeholders in both public and private sectors are enthusiastic and ready to welcome all visitors to the IDF World Diabetes Congress in 2025 so that it will be another world congress that will raise the standards and be memorable for participants,” the deputy governor said.

Chiruit concluded that Thailand being chosen to host the IDF 2025 is one of the many good news for TCEB this year, especially as TCEB has drawn a campaign “Thailand MICE to Meet You Year 2023” to stimulate the economy and drive Thailand towards being a world-class MICE destination. This year, Thailand has been chosen to host major international events throughout the year. By the end of 2023, Thailand targets to welcome a total of 18.5 million MICE travelers, generating 109 billion baht in revenue for the country.