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    Dates

    18–21 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Bangkok, Thailand

    Venue

    Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    METALEX 2026 is ASEAN's leading event for machine tools and metalworking technologies, connecting over 3,000 global brands from 50 countries with more than 100,000 industrial professionals seeking the next generation of manufacturing solutions.

    Under the theme 'Infinite Possibilities,' the event provides a powerful platform where innovation meets opportunity.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates: November 18-21, 2026
    2. 2Location: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
    3. 3Over 3,000 brands participating
    4. 4More than 100,000 industry professionals expected
    5. 5Theme: Infinite Possibilities

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain access to the latest innovations in metalworking and machine tools, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights into future manufacturing trends. The event also features live demonstrations and expert-led sessions. Dates: November 18-21, 2026. Location: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand. METALEX 2026 is ASEAN's leading event for machine tools and metalworking technologies, connecting over 3,000 global brands from 50 countries with more than 100,000.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at METALEX 2026 offers companies unparalleled visibility among key decision-makers in the manufacturing sector, access to a diverse audience, and the chance to showcase their latest products and technologies. Over 3,000 brands participating. METALEX plays a crucial role in the manufacturing sector by providing a platform for industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions. It facilitates networking and collaboration among professionals,.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Aerospace & Automotive professionals
    Manufacturing engineers and technicians
    Supply chain and logistics managers
    R&D specialists in metalworking
    Procurement officers from manufacturing firms
    Business development executives in industrial sectors

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Machine tool manufacturers
    Metalworking technology providers
    Suppliers of precision measuring instruments
    Manufacturers of tooling and accessories
    Providers of automation solutions
    Distributors of CNC machines

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Metal machine tools
    Sheet metal forming machines
    Precision measuring and testing equipment
    Machine tool accessories
    Tools and tooling solutions
    Grinding wheels and abrasives

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)

    Bangkok, Thailand

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –6:00 PM
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    RX BITEC (Thailand) Company Limited

    What's on

    Programme

    2

    Sessions

    2

    Event days

    14:00–16:00

    Typical time

    Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026

    14:00 – 16:00

    Opening Ceremony

    MR222-223

    Friday, Nov 20, 2026

    14:00 – 16:00

    METALEX TOMORROW - THE 14th METALLURGY FORUM “AI & Automation for Productivity and Carbon Reduction in the Aluminum Industry”

    MR222-223

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    90,000

    Exhibitors

    3,000

    Visitor countries

    50

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    METALEX 2026 is ASEAN's leading event for machine tools and metalworking technologies, connecting over 3,000 global brands from 50 countries with more than 100,000 industrial professionals seeking the next generation of manufacturing solutions. Under the theme 'Infinite Possibilities,' the event provides a powerful platform where innovation meets opportunity. METALEX plays a crucial role in the manufacturing sector by providing a platform for industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Aerospace & Automotive professionals, Manufacturing engineers and technicians, Supply chain and logistics managers, R&D specialists in metalworking. Dates: November 18-21, 2026. Location: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand. Over 3,000 brands participating. More than 100,000 industry professionals expected. Documented attendance reached 90,000+ visitors in the reference edition. ROBOT X @METALEX 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at METALEX 2026 offers companies unparalleled visibility among key decision-makers in the manufacturing sector, access to a diverse audience, and the chance to showcase their latest products and technologies. Over 3,000 brands participating. METALEX plays a crucial role in the manufacturing sector by providing a platform for industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions. It facilitates networking and collaboration among professionals,. Exhibitor categories include Machine tool.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Southeast Asia — Thailand (Bangkok / Bang Na corridor, gateway to the Eastern Economic Corridor and ASEAN manufacturing belt)

    Why it matters

    Thailand is ASEAN's largest automotive producer and a major electronics, appliance and food-processing manufacturing base — often called the 'Detroit of Asia' — and is in the middle of a heavy investment cycle in EV, battery and smart-factory capacity led by Chinese, Japanese and Korean OEMs. METALEX at BITEC is the region's principal machine-tool and metalworking trade fair, and ROBOT X adds a dedicated industrial robotics and automation showcase, making the November show week the single most efficient place for suppliers to meet Thai factory owners, Tier-1 engineers, system integrators and distributors in one venue.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Factory automation and robotics as a labour-cost hedge

    Rising Thai wages and skilled-labour shortages are driving rapid adoption of industrial robots, cobots and automated material handling, particularly in automotive, electronics and appliance plants — the core demand pool for ROBOT X at METALEX.

    02

    EV, battery and electronics investment wave

    Chinese and Japanese OEMs plus battery and electronics makers are expanding Thai capacity and the Eastern Economic Corridor supply chain, generating demand for precision machining, laser processing, metrology and clean manufacturing equipment.

    03

    Industry 4.0, AI and data-driven production

    Machine monitoring, predictive maintenance, digital twins and AI-based quality inspection are moving from pilots to plant rollouts, reflected in the METALEX TOMORROW forum theme on AI and automation for productivity.

    04

    Carbon reduction and aluminium decarbonisation

    Energy efficiency, scrap recycling and lower-carbon aluminium processing are now board-level topics in Thai foundries and extruders, aligning with the 14th Metallurgy Forum's focus on carbon reduction.

    05

    Additive manufacturing and advanced metalworking

    5-axis machining, additive manufacturing and automated sheet-metal/laser cells continue to expand in Thai tool rooms and contract manufacturers supplying global OEM programmes.

    Global machine-tool, metalworking and robotics circuit

    Book space and hotel 4–6 months ahead for the largest shows; plan travel 2–3 months ahead for visitor-only attendance.

    METALEX / ROBOT X sits in the same buying circuit as the world's major machine-tool and automation fairs, which rotate through Europe, East Asia and South Asia. Suppliers and buyers typically plan a two- to three-show regional route per year, using the European and Japanese shows for flagship technology launches and the Asian shows for regional sourcing and distribution deals.

    Q4 (October–December)

    METALEX/ROBOT X in Bangkok, JIMTOF in Tokyo and Manufacturing Indonesia in Jakarta compress ASEAN-plus East Asia sourcing into one travel season.

    Q1 (January–March)

    IMTEX and TIMTOS anchor South and East Asian machine-tool buying cycles.

    Peer events and typical show months compiled from public exhibition calendars and organiser sites; verify exact dates with each organiser before planning travel.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Bang Na / Bang Na-Trat Road, 5–15 minutes from BITEC

    USD 25–60 / night

    Clean limited-service rooms close to the venue; book early as show-week availability in Bang Na tightens. Rates are indicative for November 2026 — confirm live rates.

    source
    Mid-range
    Bang Na and lower Sukhumvit (On Nut–Bang Chak), 10–25 minutes from BITEC

    USD 60–120 / night

    Best balance of proximity, meeting space and breakfast for business travellers; many offer airport transfer on request. Rates are indicative — confirm with the hotel.

    source
    Premium
    Sukhumvit / Thonglor–On Nut on the BTS Sukhumvit Line, 15–35 minutes to BITEC

    USD 120–250 / night

    Larger rooms, executive lounges and easy BTS access to Bang Na station and BITEC's skywalk link. Rates are indicative — confirm live rates.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costAED 40–55 (metered taxi off-peak)
    Best forDXB Airport (DXB) to Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)

    Red Line metro serves DWTC and Expo City when applicable.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forDWC Airport (DWC) to Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forSHJ Airport (SHJ) to Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    On-arrival available
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Visa exemption (no visa required)Passport holders of 90+ countries, including most EU states, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and most ASEAN members, travelling to trade fairs and business meetings—None — granted at immigration on arrival
    Tourist visa (TR) / Thailand e-VisaTravellers from countries without a visa-exemption or visa-on-arrival agreement, or anyone wanting a longer/cleaner entry record$35.005–10 working days via the official e-Visa portal
    Non-Immigrant B (business) visaExhibitors, contractors and staff who will carry out business activities, conduct negotiations on behalf of a Thai entity, or apply for a Thai work permit$80.005–15 working days at a Thai embassy/consulate or via e-Visa
    Visa on Arrival (VoA)Nationals of the specific eligible list (typically ~20 countries, e.g. India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ethiopia)$60.00Issued at Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang on arrival; allow 30–60 extra minutes at the VoA counter

    Visa exemption and visa-on-arrival eligibility lists change frequently; verify on the Thai MFA / Thai e-Visa site or with the Royal Thai Embassy in your country before booking flights.

    Thailand participates in the ATA Carnet system for temporary admission of exhibition goods and professional equipment, with carnets issued/guaranteed via the Thai Chamber of Commerce / Board of Trade of Thailand. Carnets cover temporary import only — confirm the current procedure and the show's official freight forwarder with RX Tradex before shipping machinery demos.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    November in Bangkok is the shoulder between the monsoon and the cool-dry season: expect roughly 24–32°C with high humidity and about 40–60 mm of rain over 6–8 days, mostly as short afternoon or evening downpours that ease as the month goes on. Pack light breathable clothing plus a compact umbrella, and a light layer for heavily air-conditioned exhibition halls.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Thailand.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Greetings & business etiquette

    A gentle wai greeting and a relaxed, polite tone go a long way. Offer and receive business cards with the right hand (or both hands), avoid touching anyone's head or pointing your feet, and never show disrespect toward the Thai monarchy. Removing shoes is expected in temples and private homes.

    Tipping & payments

    Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: 10% at restaurants when a service charge is not already added, plus small notes for hotel staff and hotel/airport taxis, and rounding up metered taxi fares. Cards and PromptPay QR are widely accepted in hotels, malls and venue outlets; keep some cash (THB) for taxis, street food and small vendors.

    Dress & show-floor practicalities

    Smart-casual is the norm on the exhibition floor — light fabrics for outdoor heat with a layer for air-conditioned halls, and closed shoes for walking machinery halls. Bangkok traffic peaks roughly 07:30–09:30 and 16:30–20:00, so allow 30–60 extra minutes when travelling to BITEC by road.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: DXB

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Bangkok; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Most business visitors — EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and most ASEAN passport holders — can enter Thailand visa-exempt for short business/trade-fair visits (currently up to 60 days; the exemption length has been under review, so verify before booking at thaievisa.go.th or with the Thai embassy in your country). Visitors from non-exempt countries (e.g. India, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia) should apply for a Thai e-Visa (Tourist TR or Non-Immigrant B) at least 3–4 weeks before travel. Exhibitors demonstrating or selling equipment may need a Non-Immigrant B visa and possibly a work permit — confirm requirements with RX Tradex and your local Thai embassy.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Show your onward ticket, hotel booking and an invitation/registration confirmation for the fair if asked. Business meetings are generally permitted; paid work is not. Apply online at thaievisa.go.th (global e-Visa since 2025). Single-entry fees are around THB 1,000 (~USD 35); multiple-entry options cost more. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before departure.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Bang Na / Bang Na-Trat Road, 5–15 minutes from BITEC · Bang Na and lower Sukhumvit (On Nut–Bang Chak), 10–25 minutes from BITEC · Sukhumvit / Thonglor–On Nut on the BTS Sukhumvit Line, 15–35 minutes to BITEC

    budget

    $25-$60 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $60-$120 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $120-$250 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: DXB Airport (DXB); DWC Airport (DWC); SHJ Airport (SHJ). Allow road or rail time to Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC); on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC): Bang Na / Bang Na-Trat Road, 5–15 minutes from BITEC: Hop Inn Bangkok Bang Na, Zayn Hotel Bangkok (Bang Na); Bang Na and lower Sukhumvit (On Nut–Bang Chak), 10–25 minutes from BITEC: Novotel Bangkok Bangna, The Quarter Bangna by UHG; Sukhumvit / Thonglor–On Nut on the BTS Sukhumvit Line, 15–35 minutes to BITEC: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok (BTS On Nut), Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok Sukhumvit Thonglor.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Bangkok; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November 2026

    Temperature: 24–32°C (roughly 75–90°F); overnight lows near 23–25°C, with high humidity

    Seasonality: End of the monsoon season: about 40–60 mm of rain over 6–8 days in November, typically short afternoon or evening showers that become less frequent later in the month — rain gear is useful but full waterproofs are rarely needed.

    Packing: November in Bangkok is the shoulder between the monsoon and the cool-dry season: expect roughly 24–32°C with high humidity and about 40–60 mm of rain over 6–8 days, mostly as short afternoon or evening downpours that ease as the month goes on. Pack light breathable clothing plus a compact umbrella,

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: 2026-11-20

    Friday 20 November combines a full exhibition day with the highest-value technical content: METALEX TOMORROW's 14th Metallurgy Forum on AI and automation for carbon reduction in aluminium runs 14:00–16:00 in MR222-223, and by the third day the show floor is running at full pace with exhibitor staff free from opening-day formalities. Visitors who can only attend one day should also consider Thursday 19 November for the busiest sourcing day; Day 1 (18 Nov) is best for the opening ceremony and orientation, and Day 4 (21 Nov) is quieter for follow-ups.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:30–14:00

    Arrive at BITEC, collect press/trade badge, walk METALEX machine-tool and automation halls and the ROBOT X robotics zone to map priority stands

    BITEC registration (Hall entrances, Bang Na) and main exhibition halls
    14:00–16:00

    Opening Ceremony and official welcome

    Meeting Rooms MR222-223, BITEC
    10:00–17:00

    Full technical day: ROBOT X robotics/cobot demos, CNC and sheet-metal automation lines, supplier meetings and B2B matchmaking

    METALEX / ROBOT X exhibition halls and business-matching area, BITEC
    10:00–14:00

    Follow-up supplier meetings, quotation and distributor discussions

    Exhibition halls and meeting rooms, BITEC
    14:00–16:00

    METALEX TOMORROW — 14th Metallurgy Forum: 'AI & Automation for Productivity and Carbon Reduction in the Aluminum Industry'

    Meeting Rooms MR222-223, BITEC
    10:00–15:00

    Final hall sweep for missed suppliers, literature collection and logistics/partner sign-off

    Exhibition halls, BITEC

    Side trips

    2

    Ayutthaya Historical Park

    Bang Krachao (Phra Pradaeng green lung)

    Networking spots

    3

    Business matching / B2B zone

    Organiser-run matchmaking and hosted-buyer programme meetings take place on site — the fastest route to qualified Thai and ASEAN buyers.

    Meeting rooms MR222-223 and forum area

    Opening ceremony and the Metallurgy Forum sessions; strong networking with technical and academic delegates between sessions.

    Hall food court and BTS Bang Na skywalk cafés

    Informal conversation spots during show breaks and a practical meeting point when travelling to and from the venue by BTS.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Trade badge (pre-registered online)

    —

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Visa exemption (most EU/UK/US/ASEAN passports)

    —

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Tourist visa (TR) single entry via Thai e-Visa

    USD 35–40 / per visitor

    estimate

    visa_fee

    both · Non-Immigrant B (business) visa — single to multiple entry

    USD 80–200 / per visitor

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Tourist visa (TR) / Thailand e-Visa

    USD 35 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Non-Immigrant B (business) visa

    USD 80 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Visa on Arrival (VoA)

    USD 60 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You need to compare machinery/automation suppliers, see ROBOT X robotics and automation demos live, and attend the technical forums without committing to floor space.

    Best for

    Machine-tool, robotics, automation and metalworking buyers, OEM/Tier-1 engineers, system integrators and distributors scouting suppliers for Thai and ASEAN plants

    Min. budget

    $350.00

    Timeline

    2–4 weeks (online registration, flights, 2-night hotel, e-Visa if required)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Show-week Bang Na hotel rates rise sharply; book 6–8 weeks out.

    Bangkok traffic adds 30–60 minutes to road journeys to BITEC at peak hours — use the BTS Bang Na skywalk link.

    exhibit

    You have an active Thai/ASEAN pipeline, local representation or distributor plans, and budget to convert leads into regional sales within 12 months.

    Best for

    Machine-tool, robot, automation, component and service suppliers targeting Thailand's automotive, EV, electronics and metal-fabrication manufacturing base

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    4–6 months (space contract, stand design/build, machinery freight or ATA Carnet, staff travel and visas)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Stand space, build and machinery freight typically dwarf travel costs; total investment is several times the travel budget.

    Thailand has strict rules on selling and work permits — confirm permitted on-stand activities with the organiser.

    skip

    Your 2026 targets do not include Thailand/ASEAN, or you can cover the market through a partner who attends on your behalf.

    Best for

    Teams whose Thai/ASEAN pipeline is already covered by distributors, or with no travel/stand budget this cycle

    Timeline

    None

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    6

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    RX BITEC

    2

    METALEX

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