BANGKOK, 25 March 2026: Founded in 1956, Skål International Bangkok has long stood as one of Asia’s most respected hospitality and tourism networking clubs.
As Club No 153 within Skål International, it continues to play a pivotal role in connecting industry leaders while adapting to a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
The club is expanding its reach through social media and digital engagement to attract a new generation of members while maintaining its strong foundation of industry relationships.
A legacy of global connection
Skål International traces its origins back to 1932 in Paris, when a group of travel professionals, including agents, hoteliers, airline representatives, railway executives and cruise operators, came together following a Scandinavian familiarisation trip. This spirit of friendship and collaboration led to the formal establishment of Skål International in 1934, with Paris as Club No 1.
Across Asia, the movement has grown steadily; today, the associations have 12,500+ members in every major city (300+) in the world. Jakarta, Club No 13, remains the oldest in the region, while Bangkok Club No 153 has become one of its most dynamic and influential chapters.
Monthly networking with impact
Skål Bangkok hosts its regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, except in April, when it is closed due to the national Songkran holiday. These gatherings, a mix of lunches and evening cocktail events, provide a platform for meaningful connections, business development and knowledge exchange among tourism professionals.
Hosted at the renowned Spectrum venue on the 29th floor, the event combined exceptional hospitality with panoramic city views, reinforcing its reputation as one of Bangkok’s premier networking experiences.
Hotels frequently use these occasions to showcase new concepts, menus and service innovations. This has created a friendly yet spirited sense of competition among participating properties, ultimately enhancing the experience for members.
Strong sponsor support
A key strength of Skål Bangkok lies in the continued support from its sponsors. Their contributions help reduce event management costs while ensuring members enjoy high-quality food and beverage offerings at each gathering. This collaborative model allows the club to maintain accessibility while delivering consistently high standards.
Looking ahead: Regional and global engagement
While the core unit of Skål remains the individual club, members are also connected through a wider network of regional and international events.
The upcoming Skål Asia Congress will take place in Macau from 11 to 14 June at the Grand Lisboa Palace, bringing together industry leaders from across the region.
Globally, the annual Skål World Congress remains the organisation’s flagship event. The 2026 Skål World Congress will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 5 to 10 October 2026, continuing the tradition of rotating destinations and reinforcing Skål’s commitment to international collaboration.
A club for the future
As the tourism and hospitality sector continues to evolve, Skål International Bangkok is positioning itself at the intersection of tradition and innovation. By leveraging digital platforms, expanding its outreach and maintaining its strong community ethos, the club is ensuring its relevance for decades to come.
For hoteliers, travel professionals and tourism entrepreneurs, Skål Bangkok remains a unique platform for connecting, collaborating and growing within a trusted global network.
About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior leadership roles with leading hotel groups. He is widely recognised for his expertise in tourism and hospitality across Asia.
A long-standing member of Skål International, Andrew has served as a Director and has uniquely held the presidency at most levels of the organisation, including Past President of Skål Asia, National President of Skål Thailand, and twice President of Skål International Bangkok. He is a recipient of Skål’s Order of Merit, the President’s Award and the organisation’s highest honour, Membre d’Honneur.
He writes extensively on tourism trends and is widely published across international travel and hospitality media.
(Source: Your Stories — Skål International Bangkok)
As a travel professional, I can appreciate the value of a trusted network like Skål. Congratulations to President James Thurlby, Andrew J Wood, and the entire Bangkok chapter on keeping this legacy strong and relevant. Skål!”
Excellent article on an Excellent Club
Peter Morrison MNZM
Skal World President 2020
Being a retired Hotelier in Thailand since 1981, I attended the Skål international networking events in my early years a few times. Great to meet colleagues in our Travel and Hospitality industry for some social catch up talks and to stay in touch with the latest news and trends having impact in our Tourism industry. However despite these cosy lunches and meetings, I still do not seem to fully comprehend the agenda of Skål networking and the real relevance or purpose of these monthly networking get-togethers for the greater benefit or progress in the Thai Tourism sector?
Skal International Bangkok always active and most vibrant clubs in Asia engaging members on regular intervals for giving them bonding and networking which ultimately leads to the business among friends. Without you knowing and bonding trust can’t be built which is the key for successful journey of many its members.
Skal Asia works very hard in encouraging all its Asian members from the oldest Jakarta to the newest clubs being formed in India plenty. Skal International Bangkok always inspires many clubs and hearty Congratulations to you all.
Thank you Skalleague Andrew whose Pen is mightier than sword by creating somany articles with wow feel when ever i read them.
This is such a good gathering. As tourism becomes more fragmented by the day, it is wonderful to see tourism professionals meeting as friends through Skål. Tourism is a community after all, one that fosters exchange at every level. For Thailand, such camaraderie is why the country has emerged from crises and numerous challenges stronger each time.
Insightful and encouraging during such troubled times!