AGP Executive Report

Thai Music: BLACKPINK’s Lisa set a 2026 K-pop video record as “SaWaDiKa,” inspired by her Thai heritage, passed 200 million YouTube views in 34 days. Pageant Spotlight: Tanzania’s Jihan Dimack won Miss Grand International 2026 in Bangkok, while outgoing queen Emma Tiglao announced her retirement after 13 years in pageantry. On-Screen Backlash: Thai actors Fourth Nattawat and Gemini Norawit apologized after a viral “Bollywood hero” clip drew criticism for stereotyped gestures. Thailand on Film: Chris Hemsworth confirmed that filming for “Extraction 3” will continue in Thailand after production begins in New South Wales.

Bangkok Nightlife: Five police officers were transferred after a raid at an unlicensed Khao San Road venue found underage patrons, alleged drug use and other violations. Pageant Spotlight: Tanzania’s Jihan Dimack won Miss Grand International 2026 in Bangkok, succeeding Emma Tiglao, who retired after 13 years in pageantry. The Philippines’ Angelica Lopez made the Top 25 and won Best National Costume for her folklore-inspired look. Thai Pop Culture: BLACKPINK’s Lisa scored a major online milestone as her Thai-inspired single “SaWaDiKa” reached 200 million YouTube views in 34 days. Film in Thailand: Chris Hemsworth confirmed that “Extraction 3” will film in Thailand, adding another international production to the country’s screen scene.

Pageant Night: Tanzania’s Jihan Dimack won Miss Grand International 2026 at Bangkok’s Bravo BKK, succeeding Filipino queen Emma Tiglao. The Philippines’ Angelica Lopez made the Top 25 and won Best National Costume, but missed the Top 11. Asian Screen: Thailand’s entertainment industry was in focus at Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market, where organizers are pitching a year-round platform; industry leaders say Asian stories are drawing wider audiences, though backing each film remains a fight. Music & Film: BLACKPINK’s Lisa is stepping into acting in the documentary Always Lalisa, while her Thai-inspired single “SaWaDiKa” has passed 200 million YouTube views.**

Asian Drama Honors: Thai star Becky Armstrong won an Outstanding Asian Star award at the Seoul International Drama Awards, alongside Paulo Avelino, Jisoo and other regional performers. Lisa on the Big Screen: The documentary Always Lalisa follows Lisa’s year away from Blackpink as she pursued solo music, acting and a Coachella appearance; it is set for a worldwide IMAX release from Oct. 12. Bangkok-Bound Production: Havana Rose Liu will star in an FX crime-drama pilot from director Hiro Murai and filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, with filming due to begin in Bangkok later this month. Thai Pop Backlash: Actors Fourth Nattawat and Gemini Norawit apologised after a viral TV dance drew criticism from Indian fans over Bollywood stereotypes.

Screen & Music: Lisa’s documentary Always Lalisa opens in Thai cinemas on Oct. 12, with IMAX and standard screenings through Oct. 18. It follows her solo career, including work on Alter Ego, her White Lotus acting debut and Coachella appearance. TV Backlash: Thai actor Fourth Nattawat apologized after exaggerated charades gestures during a “Bollywood Hero” guessing game offended Indian fans; co-star Gemini Norawit also drew criticism for laughing. Thai Talent Abroad: Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion took the country’s entertainment industry to Busan’s film market with Thai Night, part of a push to build international ties. On Set in Bangkok: Chris Hemsworth trained Muay Thai while filming Extraction 3 in Thailand, drawing notice from the UFC after sharing footage. Live Culture: Japan’s sumo association plans its first Thailand exhibition tour for June 2027, bringing top-division wrestlers to Bangkok for three days.

Thai Star Spotlight: Lisa’s documentary Always Lalisa follows the Thai singer’s move into solo music and acting; it opens in cinemas Oct. 12 before streaming on YouTube Premium. On Set in Bangkok: Chris Hemsworth is filming Extraction 3 in Thailand and training in Muay Thai with a local instructor. Thai Cinema: Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s 9 Temples to Heaven, Thailand’s entry for the 2027 international feature Oscar race, follows a family’s merit-making pilgrimage in a slow-burn road movie. Pageant Stage: Mister Global’s finale takes place in Thailand on Oct. 10, after contestants drew attention with their swimwear showcase. Sport: Ratchanok Intanon reached the Arctic Open quarterfinals, where she is set to face PV Sindhu. Cultural Diplomacy: Thailand is putting local cuisine in the spotlight for next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, including makrut-lime and lemongrass-aged tilapia.

Pageant Spotlight: Filipino contender Angelica Lopez brought her high-energy walk to the Miss Grand International preliminaries in Bangkok on Oct. 7, where 77 contestants competed ahead of Saturday’s final. Thai Pop: Lisa’s Bangkok-shot “SaWaDiKa” has passed 200 million views in 34 days; the video features Muay Thai, tuk-tuks and scenes filmed around the city. Her “Always Lalisa” documentary opens in IMAX on Oct. 12. Screen & Industry: Chris Hemsworth is filming Extraction 3 in Thailand and shared training footage from the shoot. Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion also showcased the country’s entertainment industry at Thai Night during Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market. Design: Bangkok will host the fifth FIND – Design Fair Asia, while student designers from four countries are set to bring leather-focused work to the city for an international competition final.

Pageant Spotlight: Miss Grand International’s 2026 final takes place in Bangkok on Oct. 10, following a preliminary show where Filipino delegate Angelica Lopez wowed the crowd with a high-energy walk and a folklore-inspired costume. Thai Heritage: Bangkok’s Royal Barge Procession returns Nov. 6, with 52 ornate vessels sailing the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun in a rare showcase of Thai craftsmanship and royal tradition. Thai Talent Abroad: Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion brought the country’s entertainment industry to Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market with a Thai Night showcase. On Screen: Thai star Lisa’s documentary, “Always Lalisa,” opens in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on Oct. 12, tracing her solo career beyond BLACKPINK. Concert Cinema: Stray Kids will screen its Nov. 7 Tokyo Dome concert live in cinemas worldwide; the group is also set to tour Bangkok in December or January.

Thai Table Tennis: Orawan Paranang stunned world No. 1 Sun Yingsha 3-1 at the WTT China Smash, reversing their result at the Asian Games. Bangkok Pageant Watch: Miss Grand International’s final is set for Oct. 10 at Bravo BKK, with 78 delegates competing; the show will stream on YouTube. Thai Screen Industry: Thailand is promoting its entertainment sector at the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan, seeking a wider global audience. Lisa on Screen: The “Always Lalisa” documentary is set for a worldwide IMAX release beginning Oct. 12. Bangkok Fashion: British streetwear label Represent has opened a six-month pop-up at Central Embassy, its latest step into international markets.

Tourism Policy: Thailand’s proposed 450-baht tourist fee just got a big boost, with 80.5% of 5,954 consultation respondents backing the draft framework and 78.3% supporting the charge itself, while officials are still weighing whether air, land and sea arrivals should pay the same rate and how to collect it smoothly via tickets. Loy Krathong in Bangkok: Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok is rolling out a riverfront Loy Krathong celebration on Nov 24, pairing Thai performances (including puppetry and drum dance) with multiple dining options and fireworks. Art & Culture: A photo exhibition and advocacy campaign, “The Coup Years: A Visual Chronicle of Resistance in Myanmar,” is running in Jakarta until Oct 11, spotlighting years of anti-coup resistance through work by 20+ Myanmar visual artists and frontline media groups. Music & Pop Culture: BABYMONSTER teased a new activity for Oct 23 (1pm KST) with a minimalist, mysterious image as the group continues its world tour. Film & Festivals: Busan International Film Festival opened for a 10-day run with 316 films from 59 countries, led by the premiere of “The Table: Day and Night.” Sports & Entertainment: Thailand’s presence at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 remains a talking point after Indonesia’s home win, with reports noting uneven broadcast rights interest and thinner crowds in some matches.

Thailand Entertainment Export: Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is bringing Thai film and content companies to the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan (Oct 10–13), with Thailand named ACFM’s first-ever Country of Honor and a flagship networking event “Thai Night Busan 2026” to boost international partnerships. Fashion & Pop Culture: Miss Grand International titleholders Emma Tiglao, CJ Opiaza, Luciana Fuster and Isabella Menin will co-host the 2026 National Costume Competition in Bangkok on Oct 7, with 76 delegates competing at Bravo BKK. Tourism Watch: Thailand saw inbound visitors fall to 23.45 million (Jan 1–Oct 3), down 3.88%, with receipts also down, though domestic trips rose. Music Spotlight: Nene Royal, the Phuket teen guitarist, reflects on her America’s Got Talent win and how rock music shaped her journey. Screen & Streaming: Survival thriller “Fall 2: Deadpoint” is now available to watch at home, with a Thailand-set sequel built on the fear-of-heights premise.

Beauty & Pageantry: Miss Grand International is turning Bangkok into a runway hub as reigning queen Emma Tiglao will co-host the 2026 National Costume Competition with fellow titleholders Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza (2024), Luciana Fuster (2023) and Isabella Menin (2022). The event lands at Bravo BKK on Oct. 7, with 76 delegates competing for the next crown. Arts & Culture Tourism: Thailand’s region-wide spotlight continues with South Korea’s Anseong Baudeogi Festival, drawing about 607,500 visitors over four days and boosting local sales and transport demand, with performances including troupes from Thailand and beyond. Music Pop: YG Entertainment confirms BabyMonster will release new music on Oct. 23, following “Sugar Honey Ice Tea” in June, with Bangkok dates set for Nov. 7–8. Entertainment Streaming: A fresh wave of streaming releases hits this week, led by “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on PVOD plus new Netflix, Apple TV and Hulu picks for the Oct. 6–12 lineup. Local Life & Safety: A Lampang electric sedan crash into petrol-station toilets injured a 21-year-old man, with police investigating how the driver selected the wrong gear. Sports: The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 wraps with Indonesia beating Thailand on penalties after a 2-2 draw, ending Thailand’s long winless run in the matchup.

Flood Update: Thailand’s floods have killed 31 people and affected about 4.14 million since Sept 16, with PM Anutin ordering faster drainage, relief and post-flood recovery ahead of more rain and high tides. Sports & Entertainment in the Region: Indonesia won the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, beating Thailand 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Jakarta. Thai Pop Culture Spotlight: Thai actor Tay Tawan and Korean star Song Kang shared a funny Paris Fashion Week front-row moment—Tawan even posted a playful apology after noticing their seating positions. Wellness & Lifestyle: Siam Piwat is investing 10 billion baht (US$300m) in ICONPHUKET, a new retail-attraction-entertainment hub opening in 2029, with major space for attractions and green areas. Film & Streaming: Netflix confirmed Thailand’s action-comedy “Overacting” will release Nov 5, blending amnesia-style intrigue with comedic chaos. Arts & Culture (Thailand-linked): Jeeno Thitikul won the LPGA Lotte Championship in Hawaii, celebrating with a traditional hula after a late comeback.

Asian Games wrap: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games officially closed with Japan’s record 83 golds and 269 medals, but the event was also hit by complaints over logistics and crowd issues as the torch passed to Doha 2030. Youth in sport: Chinese teen swimmer Yu Zidi was named Games MVP after three golds, while Thailand’s Puripol Boonson took men’s MVP for sprint doubles. Regional football: Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya head into the ASEAN Cup third-place playoff vs Vietnam, with Thailand and Indonesia set for the final in Jakarta. Entertainment & TV: Rakuten Viki announced its K-drama “Dive Into You,” starring Kim Ji Yeon and Park Seo Ham, mixing romance, body-swapping and time travel. Arts & culture (Thailand tie-in): Nan and Luang Prabang signed an MOU to boost trade, cultural heritage and tourism, with Nan aiming for UNESCO recognition. Fashion/creative: A “Pawshion” pet costume show in Zamboanga highlighted animal welfare through a runway-style competition. Tech: Google rolled out stricter Android sideloading rules early in Thailand and other countries to curb scams.

Asian Games Wrap: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games officially closed in Japan with China topping the medal table again (169 gold) and the torch passed to Doha for 2030, but the spotlight also stayed on logistics headaches—bungled transport, accommodation issues, and low crowd turnout—alongside record-breaking teen stars like China’s 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi (female MVP, three golds) and Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (male MVP, 100m/200m double). Thai-Regional Sports & Culture: Malaysia’s sepak takraw scene is buzzing after Perak Bison’s push for a top-three finish in the STL, while Thai sprinter Boonson’s MVP moment keeps Thailand in the regional sports conversation. Tech & Daily Life: Google has started rolling out Android’s stricter third-party app “advanced flow” early in Thailand (and three other countries), aiming to curb scams. Travel & City Life: A new wave of Bangkok shophouse revivals is turning old buildings into dining and gallery hotspots, and practical guides keep helping visitors navigate the BTS. Cross-border Legal Reminder: Malaysia’s consulate in Songkhla warns Malaysians marrying in southern Thailand to use legal entry routes for marriage paperwork.

Asian Games fallout: Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya hosting has been hit by a wave of complaints—from athletes being bussed to wrong venues and airport delays to a notorious anthem mix-up—prompting harsh grades from officials and raising doubts about future major-bid trust. Thai sports spotlight: Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson and swimmer Yu Zidi were named 2026 Asian Games MVPs, with Boonson winning 100m/200m and Yu taking three golds. UFC 332 buzz: Natalia Silva won the vacant women’s flyweight title at UFC 332, while Payton Talbott scored a first-round stoppage—both earning Performance of the Night bonuses. Arts & culture in Thailand: Paris’ Royal Thai Embassy festival “Tout à fait Thaï 2026” runs Oct 3–4, showcasing Thai food, arts, music, Muay Thai and textiles. Northern Thailand exhibition: Chiang Mai City Craft Space hosts “Melodies and Motifs in the Mountains” (Oct 3, 2026–Jan 10, 2027), blending Akha songs, stories, textiles and multimedia sound. Community arts: AAARCC’s Fall Festival highlights cultural traditions through music, dance and hands-on booths. Public safety: A drunk-driving crash in Bangkok’s Thong Lo killed a Thai woman and a German tourist.