Eurovision Asia hit by production chaos

One month before show start: A $1 million budget cut has triggered a dispute over the production of Eurovision Asia, with much of the international technical team set to stay away from Thailand

The first Eurovision Asia is set to take place on 14 November in Bangkok, Thailand. But with less than a month to go, the contest is facing major production challenges.

According to Eurovisionworld’s sources, a $1 million budget cut has left the international production team without control over key decisions.

The Thai production partner is replacing international technical companies, introducing new stage and lighting designs, and bringing in a local broadcast director and crew.

Eurovisionworld’s sources describe a breakdown in the relationship between the international production team and the Thai production partner over the budget cut.

Who is producing Eurovision Asia?

Eurovision Asia has four key partners: EBU, Voxovation, S2O Productions and Channel 3.

EBU licenses the Eurovision format to Voxovation, which leads the development, production and commercialisation of Eurovision Asia. Its producers were also behind American Song Contest in 2022.

A controlling stake in Voxovation is held by entrepreneur RJ Phillips, who also owns Zoop, Eurovision Asia’s main sponsor.

S2O Productions is the Thai production partner, while Channel 3 is the host broadcaster.

Local teams take over

International technical companies are being replaced by local firms, with Thailand’s Media Vision taking over lighting, video, rigging, sound and pyrotechnics. New set and lighting designs are also being introduced, alongside a local TV director and broadcast team.

Much of the international technical team will no longer travel to Bangkok. The sources say no one within the production team has full control over the project any longer.

No one within the production team has full control over the project any longer

A smaller international team is still expected to travel to Thailand to work on the show’s content, graphics and sound. Christer Björkman, Head of Contest, may also travel with the contest producer to help preserve the competition.

Criticism of the EBU

According to Eurovisionworld’s sources, the changes have also prompted strong criticism within the production team over a perceived lack of support from the EBU.

The sources say the EBU approved the budget cut before asking a key member of the international team to return to Thailand to help protect the quality of the show.