Bangkok has been officially announced as the host city for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, marking a historic expansion of the world’s most iconic music competition into the Asian region.
The Grand Final is scheduled to take place on Nov 14, positioning Thailand’s capital at the centre of a major new global entertainment platform.
This Asian edition will debut with participation from 10 countries including South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with additional nations expected to join as the event grows.
Building on Eurovision’s 70-year legacy of uniting audiences through music, storytelling and live broadcast, Eurovision Song Contest Asia aims to create a new shared stage shaped by the region’s diversity, creativity, and cultural identity. Rooted in the enduring concept of “United By Music”, the Asian edition will connect artists and audiences across borders while reflecting the unique voices and ambitions of the region.
A key innovation accompanying the launch is ZOOP, a new global social media platform set to debut on Thursday. As the contest’s exclusive social partner, ZOOP will introduce an interactive fan experience, allowing audiences to actively engage with artists, participate in communities and influence the competition through real-time interaction.
Designed to reach a combined population of over 600 million people, Eurovision is positioned to become one of the region’s most significant entertainment events. With no existing pan-Asian platform of comparable scale, the contest is expected to generate substantial attention across both traditional and digital media.
Bangkok’s selection as Host City reflects its reputation as a dynamic cultural hub where tradition and modernity coexist. The event will be broadcast in partnership with Channel 3 in Thailand, alongside leading broadcasters across participating countries, each contributing distinct creative perspectives.
The contest, jointly announced by the European Broadcasting Union, Voxovation, Thailand’s S2O Productions and Channel 3, signals a bold new chapter for Eurovision. It is anticipated to deliver strong economic and cultural benefits, including increased tourism, job creation and expanded opportunities for Thailand’s creative industries. It also reinforces Thailand’s growing role as a destination for world-class international events.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/3232040/eurovision-song-contest-asia-marks-expansion-of-iconic-event