METALEX 2026 is scheduled for 18 to 21 November 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Thailand. Organised by RX Tradex, METALEX is Southeast Asia’s leading machine tools and metalworking exhibition, covering CNC machines, sheet-metal and forming equipment, cutting tools, metrology and automation.
Indian travellers enter Thailand under different routes depending on the purpose and length of the visit — visa-exemption entry, a Thailand e-Visa, or a Non-Immigrant ‘B’ visa where the trip involves business activity. Check the official Thailand e-Visa portal for the current rules before booking.
The event
About METALEX 2026 (Bangkok)
METALEX brings together machine-tool and tooling manufacturers, automation companies and materials suppliers with manufacturers and engineers from Thailand and across the region. Thailand is a large automotive and electronics manufacturing base, which makes the show a focused sourcing trip for those supply chains.
For Indian machine-tool and cutting-tool manufacturers, METALEX is a route to Southeast Asian manufacturers and distribution partners. For Indian engineering companies, it is a way to compare regional and international production technology in one visit.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)
Bang Na, Bangkok, Thailand
Confirm the exact halls and daily opening hours on the official METALEX website before booking travel.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Machine tools & CNC
Turning, milling, machining centres, sheet-metal and forming machines.
Cutting tools & tooling
Cutting tools, workholding, tooling systems and consumables.
Metrology & quality
Measurement, inspection, testing and quality-assurance technology.
Automation, materials & software
Robotics, automation, materials, CAD/CAM and factory software.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Meet Southeast Asian manufacturers, engineers and distributors face-to-face, demonstrate machines and tooling, and open distribution conversations for a large regional manufacturing market.
METALEX also gives Indian metalworking businesses a read on regional demand — automotive and electronics production technology, automation and the move toward smart manufacturing.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official METALEX website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
Thailand Entry & Visa Options for METALEX 2026 (Bangkok)
Thailand admits Indian travellers under different routes depending on the purpose and length of the visit — visa-exemption entry for short stays, a Thailand e-Visa, or a Non-Immigrant ‘B’ visa where the trip involves business activity. Permitted stay lengths and conditions change; check the official Thailand e-Visa portal for the current position before you travel.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
- Confirmed onward or return air ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Expo registration confirmation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Supporting business documents if applying for a Non-Immigrant ‘B’ visa
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the Thai authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend METALEX from India?+
It depends on the purpose and length of your trip. Indian visitors enter on visa-exemption rules for short stays, a Thailand e-Visa, or a Non-Immigrant ‘B’ visa where the trip involves business activity. Check the official Thailand e-Visa portal.
Can the organiser provide a visa invitation letter?+
RX Tradex commonly provides supporting documentation for registered international visitors and exhibitors. Check the current process on the official METALEX website.
Is METALEX open to the general public?+
No. It is a trade-only exhibition for the manufacturing and metalworking industries.
Does event registration guarantee entry to Thailand?+
No. Registration supports your trip, but Thai immigration officials make the final decision on entry and on any visa application.
How early should I arrange the visa?+
As soon as your travel is confirmed. Rules for Indian nationals have changed several times, so verify the current position close to your trip.
