Global electronic music festival Tomorrowland is officially coming to Thailand in 2026, marking the first time the world-renowned event will be held in Southeast Asia. The move is expected to significantly boost Thailand’s tourism sector and strengthen its position as a global soft power hub.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), confirmed the announcement on Wednesday following a high-level meeting in Bangkok between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Tomorrowland CEO Bruno Vanwelsenaers, along with Filip Teerlinck, a senior executive of the Belgium-based festival.
The discussions focused on future cooperation to bring the iconic festival to Thailand, in line with the country’s broader strategy to enhance its cultural influence through music, events, and the creative industries.
“Tomorrowland will be hosted in Thailand for the first time in 2026,” Thapanee said.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn later expressed her enthusiasm on social media, reaffirming the government’s commitment to establishing Thailand as a premier destination for global events.
“Tomorrowland in Thailand is closer to reality,” she wrote. “I met with Mr Bruno Vanwelsenaers to continue the vision initiated during former Prime Minister Srettha’s tenure — to bring one of the world’s leading music festivals to Thailand.”
She added that Thailand aims to play more than just the role of host. The government plans to integrate Thai cultural elements into the festival and promote local involvement to ensure the event benefits Thai communities directly.
“This is an opportunity to spotlight Thai artists, energise our music industry, and set a new standard for hosting global concerts in Thailand,” Paetongtarn said. “It’s a turning point in our journey to becoming a true world event destination.”
She also highlighted the festival’s alignment with Thailand’s soft power agenda, which seeks to leverage cultural exports to drive economic growth.
The Prime Minister concluded, “Tomorrowland is not just entertainment — it’s a new opportunity, a new economy, new income, and a new path for Thai people in the creative industry.”
