Thailand will host the globally acclaimed electronic music festival Tomorrowland for the first time in 2026, with the event set to take place in Chon Buri province as part of the country’s wider push to position itself as a global creative and cultural destination.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Tomorrowland executives on June 25, where the two sides discussed plans to bring the internationally renowned Belgian festival to Southeast Asia. The talks highlighted shared ambitions to fuse global entertainment with Thai culture and creative talent.
The upcoming Thai edition will mark Tomorrowland’s inaugural presence in the region and aligns closely with the Thai government’s broader soft power strategy, which emphasizes leveraging arts, music, and cultural industries to boost the national economy and international profile.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool confirmed the plans, stating the event will provide a major platform to elevate Thailand’s cultural exports and showcase local talent to an international audience.
On social media, Prime Minister Paetongtarn described the event as more than a concert — characterizing it as a pivotal opportunity for Thailand’s entertainment and creative sectors. She emphasized that the festival will not only incorporate Thai elements but also ensure economic participation by local artists and communities.
“The government is committed to ensuring that this is not just about hosting an event, but about embedding Thai identity and maximizing the benefits for our people,” she said.
Tomorrowland’s arrival is also seen as part of the government’s larger ambition to make Thailand a “World Event Destination,” bringing in high-profile festivals and exhibitions to support tourism and creative industries.
The concept of hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand was initially floated during the administration of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and has since gained momentum under the current leadership.
The meeting with Tomorrowland CEO Bruno Vanwelsenaers and senior executive Filip Teelinck took place in Bangkok and represents a concrete step in turning the long-discussed project into a reality.
