Thailand Bets Big on Bangkok Market to Sell Its Stories to the World

Thailand is making a serious play to turn its growing screen industry into a global business. This July, the country launches the Bangkok International Content Market 2026, a new marketplace for film, TV series, and animation that officials hope will cement the nation’s status as Asia’s go-to content hub.

Set for July 20-22 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the event is the centerpiece of a broader government push called Thailand Content Market 2026. Organizers—the Creative Economy Agency and the Department of International Trade Promotion—expect more than 80 international investors and streaming platforms to attend. The goal is simple: get Thai stories in front of global buyers and spark co-production deals.

The timing is smart. Netflix alone poured about $200 million into Thai content from 2021 to 2024. And Thailand’s Y-series—those wildly popular boys’ love dramas—have built a rabid fan base overseas. But the region is crowded: Hong Kong’s Filmart, Singapore’s Asia TV Forum, Tokyo’s TIFFCOM, and Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market all compete for attention. A Bangkok market gives Thailand its own stage.

“BICM 2026 is a systematic step to elevate our content marketplace internationally,” said Chakrit Pichyangkul, executive director of the Creative Economy Agency. He pointed to government data showing every baht spent on film and broadcasting returns 1.8 baht to the economy.

The market will feature a pitching competition for more than 55 projects from Asia and Thailand, with cash prizes of at least $20,000. More than 500 exhibitor booths will fill the convention floor, alongside industry panels. The larger Thailand Content Market spans 12 creative sectors—games, animation, art toys, and books—and targets over 300 international buyers and 10,000 attendees. With government backing, organizers expect commitments from major streamers and studios.