BANGKOK (AP) — The globally popular Eurovision music competition will debut its inaugural Asian version in Thailand’s capital city this November.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will feature performers from a minimum of 10 Asian nations: Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Additional countries are anticipated to participate before the November finale.
Contest director Martin Green stated in Tuesday’s announcement: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent.”
Thailand Tourism Authority representative Chuwit Sirivajjakul explained that Bangkok serves as an ideal host city because it “has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life.”
The primary competition, organized by the European Broadcasting Union, attracts over 100 million viewers annually.
The 2025 main event featuring 35 nations will take place in Vienna this May. However, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are refusing to participate due to disagreements regarding Israel’s involvement.
While the competition aims to prioritize pop music over politics, it has frequently become entangled in global conflicts. Russia faced expulsion in 2022 following its comprehensive invasion of Ukraine.
The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has also created controversy, sparking demonstrations outside venues and prompting organizers to restrict political displays.
Similar political tensions might surface in the Asian version, particularly given that Thailand and Cambodia experienced fatal border confrontations on two occasions last year.
