Recognised as one of the biggest lifestyle fairs in the ASEAN region, the 37th Bangkok International Gift (BIG) Fair and Bangkok International Houseware (BIH) Fair will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from April 19 to 23.

A grand celebration of the creative DNA of designers across Asia, the twin events will underscore Thailand’s strength and leading position as ASEAN’s sourcing hub for lifestyle products. Spread over 40,000sqm of floor space, more than 1,600 booths will showcase high quality products – from gifts, lifestyle products and houseware designs to innovative toys.

Last year’s BIG+BIH attracted 7,487 trade buyers from around the world, and it is expected that this year the twin fairs will welcome at least 7,500 buyers during trade days and over 40,000 visitors on public days. Immediate purchase orders are expected to top a billion baht (over US$30 million). Buyers are expected from the US, the EU, ASEAN, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and China.

“In recent years, Thai houseware products and tableware products have enjoyed continuous expansion, with an impressive 10 percent annual growth,” said Niphon Ratana-arporn, President of the Thai Housewares Trade Association. “Although the recent political movements may possibly halve that growth figure, I am positive that the industry will top 5 percent growth rate by the end of this year.”

BIG+BIH April 2014 will take place at BITEC, Bangna, Bangkok. Exclusive trade days are from April 19 to 21 (10am to 6pm). The general public can enter from 10am to midnight on April 22, and from 10am to 9pm on April 23.