Eurovision Set to Launch Exciting New Asian Edition This Year

BANGKOK – The world-famous Eurovision Song Contest is set to debut its Asian version in Bangkok later this year, marking a thrilling expansion of the musical extravaganza.

The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will feature participants from at least ten nations across the continent, including Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Additional countries are anticipated to join the lineup before the grand finale slated for November.

Martin Green, the contest’s director, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, “Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Eurovision by introducing it to Asia—a region brimming with cultural richness, creativity, and talent—is indeed a special moment,” during the announcement on Tuesday.

Chuwit Sirivajjakul from the Thailand Tourism Authority highlighted Bangkok’s suitability as the host city, noting its reputation as a melting pot of cultures where music and festivity are integral to daily life. “It’s a city where cultures converge, and the rhythm of life is celebrated,” he remarked.

The main event, organized by the European Broadcasting Union, captivates over 100 million viewers annually, underscoring its global appeal.

This year’s main competition with 35 competing countries is scheduled to be held in Vienna in May. Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are boycotting due to discord over Israel’s participation.

The contest strives to put pop music before politics but has repeatedly been embroiled in world events. Russia was expelled in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

It also has been roiled by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, stirring protests outside the venues and forcing organizers to clamp down on political flag-waving.

Similar tensions could emerge in Asia. Thailand and Cambodia engaged in deadly border clashes twice last year.