Thailand is poised to launch a new era for its optical and eye care industry, securing the rights to host the first-ever ASEAN Int’l Optics Fair 2025 from October 9-11, 2025, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok. This landmark international exposition is viewed as a historic turning point, strategically positioned to elevate Thailand into the most comprehensive hub for trade, innovation, and optometric knowledge in Southeast Asia. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly growing regional market and a global megatrend towards health and wellness, the event is anticipated to be a critical engine for economic growth, attracting significant investment and creating unprecedented opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to connect with the global supply chain.
The ASEAN Int’l Optics Fair 2025 is set to unfold as a landmark event, born from a strategic collaboration between Chinese exhibition giant Donor Exhibition Co., Ltd., and its partner, Broad International Co., Ltd. This premier event is being hailed as the most complete platform in Southeast Asia for the entire eyewear and lens industry. Spanning over 10,000 square meters of exhibition space in Halls 5-6 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, the fair will convene more than 200 leading enterprises from across the globe. It is projected to attract a diverse audience of over 5,000 domestic and international attendees, generating a significant economic ripple effect and cementing Thailand’s reputation as a central nexus for regional commerce.
The vision behind this monumental undertaking is championed by Mr. Wei Pan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee at Donor Exhibition Co., Ltd. With a formidable track record spanning 23 years in the optical industry, his organization is the force behind the Wenzhou Int’l Optics Fair (WOF), which has grown to become one of the top three largest optical trade shows in the world. Speaking on the strategic decision to launch the event in Thailand, Mr. Wei Pan stated, “This year, in partnership with Broad International Co., Ltd., we are deeply honored to host the first ASEAN International Optics Fair in Thailand. This represents a pivotal step into the ASEAN eyewear market, responding to the region’s burgeoning business growth and expanding population. This event aims not only to solidify Thailand’s role as the region’s optical industry hub but also to stimulate the national economy through tourism, logistics, and employment generation.”
The selection of Thailand as the inaugural host city was a meticulously calculated move, predicated on a deep analysis of the ASEAN market’s immense and accelerating potential. The optics market in the Asia-Pacific region is on a strong upward trajectory, propelled by a confluence of powerful socio-economic factors. There is a growing public awareness of vision health issues, exacerbated by increased digital screen time among all demographics, from children to working professionals.
This has led to a surge in demand for specialized optical solutions, such as blue-light-filtering lenses and ergonomic eyewear. Simultaneously, the demographic shift towards an aging population across many ASEAN nations is creating a sustained need for corrective eyewear. Beyond its medical necessity, eyewear has firmly established itself as a key fashion accessory, a statement of personal style and social status. This cultural shift has fueled a parallel boom in the luxury frames and designer sunglasses market, adding another lucrative layer to the industry’s growth prospects.
This potent combination of need and want makes ASEAN a highly attractive frontier for the global optical industry, and the fair is timed perfectly to capitalize on this momentum. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Jianmin Wu, President of the Zhejiang Optical Industry Association in China and a primary supporter of the event. In a rephrased statement, he articulated the powerful economic and diplomatic synergy at play: “The ASEAN region has now become one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing eyewear consumer markets in the world. Data indicates that the combined annual consumption value across the ten ASEAN nations has surpassed 10 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 8%. Meanwhile, China, as a key player with a complete supply chain ecosystem, has seen its trade cooperation with ASEAN flourish. The export growth rate of eyewear and related products from China to ASEAN now exceeds 15% annually, demonstrating the immense potential of our partnership.”
Mr. Wu further emphasized the auspicious timing of the event, linking it to significant geopolitical milestones. “The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. This, combined with the recent conclusion of negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0, creates an exceptionally favorable environment. This new version of the FTA will unlock even greater trade opportunities. Therefore, hosting the ASEAN International Optics Fair at this juncture is truly a case of being in the right place at the right time.” The upgraded FTA 3.0 is a game-changer, with provisions covering the digital economy, the green economy, and supply chain connectivity, all of which are set to dismantle trade barriers and streamline commerce for businesses participating in the fair.
From the perspective of Thailand’s domestic professional community, the event is seen as a crucial catalyst for industry-wide advancement. Dr. Danai Tankerdmongkol, who serves as both the President of the Asian Council of Optometry and the President of the Thai Optometric Association, provided his expert view. “The ASEAN International Optics Fair 2025 is a truly significant milestone that will create vital awareness within our industry, introducing the latest innovations in eye care and playing a direct role in improving the quality of life for the Thai people,” he stated. “The Thai Optometric Association is deeply committed to elevating our professional standards and ensuring that the public has equitable access to high-quality vision care services.”
Dr. Danai elaborated that the fair’s value extends far beyond commerce, positioning it as a nexus for holistic development. “This is not merely another trade show or seminar. It is a vital platform that will bring together every stakeholder in the optical ecosystem—from professional optometrists, eyewear retailers, and academics to product designers, lens manufacturers, and equipment suppliers from every corner of the globe. It is a venue for sharing knowledge, forging business alliances, and expanding cooperative networks.”
“This is a major step for Thailand as the host nation, allowing us to showcase our capacity as a true center for trade, knowledge exchange, and optical innovation. With the ASEAN consumer market of over 670 million people as a driving force, this event is a key mechanism that will propel Thailand to become the undisputed hub of the eye care industry in Southeast Asia.”
In a move to underscore this commitment to professional development, Dr. Danai confirmed that the Thai Optometric Association will be hosting a series of academic seminars during the fair, offered free of charge to all attending optometrists and opticians. This initiative is designed to directly upskill the local workforce and ensure that the benefits of the international gathering translate into tangible improvements in service quality across the country.
Attendees of the ASEAN Int’l Optics Fair 2025 can expect a comprehensive and immersive experience. The exhibition floor will feature a dazzling array of products and innovations from leading global brands, covering sunglasses, prescription frames, advanced lenses, packaging solutions, and state-of-the-art retail and clinical equipment. Key features will include the high-level Asia-Pacific Eye Health Summit, alongside dedicated innovation pavilions showcasing cutting-edge technology from industry powerhouses like China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Critically, a structured international business matching program will provide an invaluable opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to engage in direct negotiations with international suppliers and buyers.
Ultimately, the launch of this fair represents a defining moment for Thailand. It is a strategic move to harness global industry trends, leverage the nation’s geopolitical advantages, and build a resilient, forward-looking ecosystem for the optical industry. The event promises to be a powerful magnet for foreign investment, technology transfer, and job creation, elevating the competitive capabilities of Thai businesses and firmly establishing the nation’s vision for a bright future as the optical center of ASEAN.
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