The Thailand Travel and Dive Expo (TDEX) kicks off today, May 15, 2008. Befitting a country offering great diving opportunities in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, this annual event shows visitors exactly why 400,000 divers from around the world arrive to experience Thailand’s shores each year, and why diving in Thailand has become an industry that generates 20 billion baht annually. The event is very much a trade event, catering to prospective buyers from abroad through the “Business Matching” program, and like last year, it takes place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It closes May 18, 2008.

TDEX provides a platform for traveling and diving related businesses in Thailand to promote themselves and their offerings. The event’s sponsors include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand Photo Business Association, PADI Asia Pacific, DAN SEAP, NAUI Asia Pacific, and Wahoo Diving Center. As ever, visitors will be able to pick up some excellent travel and diving bargains at locations across the kingdom, including Andaman favorites Koh Surin, Koh Similan (Phang-Nga), Koh Racha Noi and Yai in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi in Krabi and Koh Tarutao (Satun), and Gulf of Thailand favorites Koh Wai, Koh Kradad in Trat, Koh Tao, Koh Pha-Ngan, Koh Samui and Koh Losin (Nakhon Si Thammarat).

If you are in town, and you are into diving, or in the industry, there are no excuses – get down there today – entrance is free! Doors open 11.00 and close 20.00. By far the quickest way to get there is by the MRT underground railway which has a station located at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.