Eurovision expands to Asia with inaugural contest in Bangkok featuring 10 nations

Eurovision is making its debut in Asia with the launch of the first-ever Asian edition of the iconic song contest, scheduled to take place in Bangkok later in 2026. The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will see participation from at least ten nations across the continent, including Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with additional countries expected to join before the final in November. Martin Green, the contest’s director, said the event’s expansion marks a historic milestone coinciding with Eurovision’s 70th anniversary, highlighting Asia’s rich cultural and musical diversity. Bangkok was chosen as the host city for its reputation as a vibrant cultural hub where music and celebration are deeply embedded in everyday life, according to Chuwit Sirivajjakul from the Thailand Tourism Authority.

While Eurovision’s main European competition, organised by the European Broadcasting Union, continues to attract more than 100 million viewers globally, it often finds itself affected by political controversies. This year’s European edition faces boycotts from multiple countries due to Israel’s participation, following recent geopolitical tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. In past years, the contest also banned Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Analysts warn that similar political issues could challenge Eurovision Asia due to regional frictions, with recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia cited as a possible example. Despite these concerns, the new Asian edition underscores Eurovision’s ambition to unite nations through music and cultural exchange on a broader, more global scale.