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In Brief
- The music spectacle Eurovision will hold its first Asian edition in Bangkok, Thailand, in November.
- Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan are taking part.
Eurovision to Launch First Asian Edition in Bangkok Later This Year
The iconic Eurovision Song Contest is set to make its Asian debut with the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, taking place in Bangkok. This new edition will feature artists from at least 10 Asian countries, including Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Organizers anticipate additional countries will participate before the grand finale scheduled for November.
Martin Green, the contest’s director, expressed excitement over this expansion, highlighting the significance of launching in Asia on Eurovision’s 70th anniversary. He described the region as a “treasure trove of culture, creativity, and talent.”
Chuwit Sirivajjakul from the Thailand Tourism Authority emphasized Bangkok’s suitability as the host city, noting its history as a melting pot of cultures, its vibrant music scene, and its reputation for celebration and festivity.
SBS is not competing in the Asian edition but the broadcaster welcomed the initiative.
“SBS has long recognised the strong appetite for Eurovision and its unique ability to connect audiences through music and shared cultural moments,” an SBS spokesperson said.
“We’re pleased to see continued interest in celebrating these kinds of connections across the region and will be watching with interest as it develops.”
The main gala, run by the European Broadcasting Union, draws more than 100 million viewers every year.
The main competition, with 35 competing countries, is scheduled to be held in Vienna in May.
Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are boycotting the event 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.
The Gaza war stirred protests outside the venues, leading organisers to clamp down on political flag-waving.
Similar tensions could emerge in Asia after Thailand and Cambodia engaged in deadly border clashes twice in 2025.
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