Traveltomtom on Stage at SPLASH Soft Power Forum 2025 in Bangkok
In July 2025, I had the honor of being invited as a speaker at the SPLASH Soft Power Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. I joined the panel during the session titled SPARK: Global Lens on Local Treasures, where we discussed the power of Thai festivals and how influencers can help elevate them to the global stage. It was a proud moment for me and for the Traveltomtom brand to be part of such a forward-thinking and globally relevant discussion.
This was not my first time speaking about influencer marketing on stage. Over the last few years, I've spoken at several major travel conferences including WTM in London, EMITT in Istanbul, and the World Travel Writers' Conference in the Maldives.
It's something I truly enjoy doing and I'm definitely open to more speaking engagements like this. If you're an event organizer looking for a travel influencer with real-world experience and insights from over a decade in the industry, let's talk.
Reach out to Traveltomtom by email.
Traveltomtom has been in the business for more than 10 years and has collaborated with over 50 national tourism boards around the world. I've also published several in-depth articles about influencer marketing, including campaign case studies such as:
- The St. Regis Red Sea Resort Social Media Campaign
- TikTok Case Study: Destination Marketing Saudi Arabia
“Storytelling is the bridge between inspiration and action - tell people 'how' to experience festivals, not just that they exist.”
Speaking at SPLASH: A Look Into the Panel Discussion
Our panel focused on the role of influencers in promoting Thai festivals to international audiences. I was joined by fellow influencers Mike Yu, Thai artist K'Keng (ธชย ประทุมวรรณ), and actor K'Film (ธนภัทร กาวิลา). It was a lively session moderated by K'Fah (บุญฑิกา รัตนประสิทธิ์กุล), with each speaker bringing a unique perspective to the table.
Why Thailand? Why Festivals?
In my part of the discussion, I shared why Thailand has always held a special place in my heart. It's where my influencer journey began, all the way back in 2008. Since then, I've visited the country more than 25 times. Thailand is easy to recommend as it ticks all the boxes: food, wellness, culture, safety, affordability, and warm hospitality.
And with reliable mobile connectivity now easier than ever, here's my guide to best eSIMs for Thailand travel to help you stay connected on the go.
A long list of Soft powers! The nickname "Land of Smiles" is more than deserved.
When it comes to soft power, Thailand already has strong global appeal, but there's still huge potential for growth — especially through storytelling by influencers. My message was simple: travelers are no longer just looking for nice hotels and beach holidays. If they travel all the way from Europe, USA or Australia they want experiences. And festivals are one of the most powerful ways to deliver that demand.
Bridging Inspiration & Action
I highlighted how influencers can bridge the gap between inspiration and action. People may see a cool video of Songkran or the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, but then what?
They want to know: How do I get there? Where do I stay? How much does it cost? How do I keep my phone safe during Songkran? That's where trusted influencers come in, to fill in those blanks and give travelers the confidence to go.
I also shared my personal experience with Thailand's festival scene:
- The Full Moon Party: while dominated by foreigners, has immense soft power and potential if developed with more structure and professional organization. May be look for the next step: why not bring Tomorrowland to Thailand?
- The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is magical and deserves far more global attention.
- Songkran should be internationally known. It's fun, unique, and has cross-generational appeal.
“Travelers may see a video of Songkran… but then what? That's where trusted influencers come in.”
The other speakers brought great points as well:
- K'Keng spoke about integrating traditional Thai elements in a modern, globally appealing way, like his success with Thai instruments at international competitions.
- K'Film emphasized the importance of local festivals and how his role in Thai dramas helped spread Thai culture abroad.
- Mike highlighted the authenticity and charm of Thai daily life and how that continues to captivate foreign content creators like himself.
It was a great and fun session. I threw in some words I knew in Thai and the more than 600 people that came to listen to the talk seemed to enjoy my little Thai phrases.
After the session there was some time for photos with the press and the other speakers.
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Staying at the Banyan Tree Bangkok
While in Bangkok, I stayed at the Banyan Tree Hotel, a great option for luxury travelers. Thanks to my Diamond Status with Accor, I received a free upgrade to what felt like a suite on the 46th floor. The views over Lumphini Park and across to Sukhumvit were stunning.
I did check out the famous rooftop bar Vertigo, which seems to have lost a bit of its edge in recent years. While still offering panoramic views, it didn't quite live up to the hype anymore. That said, the Banyan Tree remains a solid hotel option in Bangkok valued at around $150 USD per night including breakfast. The breakfast was decent, though I've had better buffets elsewhere in Thailand.
The night view from my room was incredible.
Next time I'd love to try a different hotel, just to mix things up. But overall, it was a very pleasant stay at the Banyan Tree Bangkok.
Restaurant tip: Above Riva
Looking for a restaurant with the best view of Wat Arun then head to Above Riva. It is not far from China Town and directly opposite Wat Arun on the other side of the river. The restaurant serves a fusion of Thai and Western food. Good food, even better views.
Health Land: A Bangkok Massage Gem
I didn't do much sightseeing this time, after all, it was my 25th trip to Thailand. But I did enjoy a few well-earned massages. I found a real gem in the Sathorn area called Health Land, recommended by Thai people. Clean, quiet, professional, and very reasonably priced. I paid 1,500 THB ($45 USD) for a two-hour full-body oil massage and was thoroughly impressed with the quality.
Flying With Turkish Airlines
I flew Turkish Airlines from Europe to Bangkok and vice versa. Making good use of my Elite status with their Miles & Smiles program. While the airline still operates their older A330-300s on this route, complete with a dated business class layout, the lie-flat beds were comfortable and surprisingly wide. I had a great sleep.
One highlight was the updated onboard WiFi. As an Elite member, I had unlimited internet access during the flight, and it worked impressively well. Overall, a solid long-haul experience, despite the outdated seat design.
If you're an event organizer or agency looking for speakers on influencer marketing, destination branding, or simply need a travel and tourism expert, feel free to reach out.
Sharing insights and experiences on stage, especially about places like Thailand that are so close to my heart, is something I truly enjoy and believe in.
Thanks to TCEB Thailand Exhibitions for putting trust in Traveltomtom. It was a pleasure working together.
Interested in bringing Traveltomtom to your next event? Let's connect!