The landscape of content creation in Thailand is expected to transform significantly over the next decade as the country nurtures a vibrant community of creators keen to capture global attention.
On March 20, 2025, during Bangkok Design Week, Cloud 11 unveiled its initiative, termed "Creators 2035: Globalike Thai Content," designed to empower Thai content creators and project Thai narratives onto the global stage. Hosted by MQDC, this landmark event highlighted the potential for a 20-30% growth in Thailand's content creator market, emphasizing the nation’s unique artistic voice.
A report reveals that social media usage in Thailand stands at an impressive 71.5%, surpassing the global average of 63.9%. This high engagement indicates a rich ground for content creation, further promising a surge in interactive and diverse content. The event gathered leaders from various industries, including film, music, and digital art, showcasing the collaborative efforts to polish Thai content into a globally recognized brand.
Among the most encouraging trends discussed was the expected growth in various media formats, including the booming Boy Love and Girl Love genres, with projections of 100-120 new series this year. The Thai film industry also boasted a notable 15% growth last year, with seven films surpassing the 100 million baht revenue mark. The dominant theme, according to various industry leaders, is that global audiences are increasingly receptive to diverse cultures and narratives.
“The film industry is entering a new phase where the richness of Thai culture can meet global storytelling standards,” said M.R. Chaleemchatree Yukhul, head of the film industry committee. Alongside emerging genres, traditional media coupled with recent technological advancements promises an enriched story-telling experience capable of transcending cultural barriers.
Leading figures from the Thai film and music industry emphasized the need for strong creative and marketing strategies to ensure long-term sustainable growth in addition to enhancing the quality of content produced. “Creativity must go hand in hand with marketing strategies to engage both domestic and international audiences effectively,” remarked Danai Thongsinthusak, an executive in the music industry.
Technological advancement is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future for content creators. Participants at the symposium highlighted that innovations such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming integral tools for creators, allowing them to expand their creative horizons while also navigating the complexities of licensing and content verification.
“As creators, we have the opportunity to shape our own narratives while being mindful of our responsibilities in safeguarding intellectual property,” said Jennifer Chavanovanish of the TIMS institute.
The insights shared during the event underscored the importance of Thai cultural attributes in positioning local content within the global market, emphasizing the need for platforms and regulatory policies that encourage creativity while tackling issues such as misinformation.
Moreover, four megatrends were identified as key drivers influencing the content landscape: (1) rapid technological advancements, including AI; (2) the emergence of platforms capable of supporting creators; (3) the evolving role of creators as mainstream media; and (4) niche communities advocating for diverse content.
As Thai creators navigate the future, they must stay attuned to changes in viewer behavior and preferences to remain relevant. The current atmosphere suggests a substantive shift towards content that resonates emotionally with audiences globally.
While various stakeholders including government and private sectors gear up to build a supportive ecosystem that nurtures creative talents, there is a simultaneous call for stronger engagement strategies to cultivate lasting relationships between creators and their audiences. Such relationships, experts opine, are fundamental to driving sustainable growth.
“It’s about being genuine and connecting with your audience; that’s what will ultimately set you apart in a crowded marketplace,” stated Waipat Tottemchokchai, a senior researcher at FutureTales LAB.
In summary, the convergence of creative talent, cultural depth, and technological innovation holds the potential to propel Thai content onto the world stage. By leveraging its unique characteristics and ensuring that voices from across the nation are heard, the industry stands poised for a renaissance that could see Thai content not only survive but thrive globally.
Cloud 11’s initiative signifies a crucial step in positioning Thailand's content creators effectively on the global map. If these insights from industry leaders are to be realized, Thailand could take a significant leap forward in becoming a cornerstone of global content production, showcasing its rich culture and creative potentials.
