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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 is set to make its Asian debut this year, with Bangkok hosting the inaugural event.
The highly anticipated Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will see artists from at least 10 Asian nations, including Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, vying for the top spot.
As excitement builds, more countries are expected to join the lineup before the grand finale in November.
Martin Green, the contest’s director, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest is particularly special as we extend its reach to Asia, a region brimming with cultural diversity, creativity, and talent.”
Bangkok was chosen as the ideal host city due to its reputation as a cultural melting pot where music and celebrations are integral to daily life, according to Chuwit Sirivajjakul from the Thailand Tourism Authority.
Although SBS will not be participating in this Asian edition, the broadcaster has expressed its support for 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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