PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is stepping up efforts to establish itself as an international film destination with the Pattaya International Film Festival 2026, bringing together cinema, tourism, culture and the creative economy from August 22–30. Held under the theme “THE CINEMATIC WAVE,” the festival is designed to use film as a driver for cultural exchange, tourism, investment and creative industries while supporting Pattaya’s ambition to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film.
Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinitkan said the city sees film as an important form of soft power capable of showcasing local identity, connecting people from around the world and creating new opportunities for tourism, business and investment. The festival will feature film screenings, discussions with directors and industry professionals, training sessions and workshops, a short-film competition, film exhibitions, a Behind The Scenes Film Production Showcase and outdoor screenings.
The main opening ceremony, red carpet and awards ceremony will take place on August 28 at the Colosseum Show Pattaya, with more than 70 awards recognizing film and content creators and industry professionals. The ceremony will also be livestreamed through MONOMAX’s Facebook page from 6 p.m. The program will also include the Pattaya Top Talk About Content Award, recognizing popular digital content based on social-listening data, platform popularity, audience voting and media impact. Categories include films, OTT series, BL and GL series and sports content.
Members of the public and tourists can attend free film screenings at cinemas in Central Pattaya from August 22–30, alongside other activities taking place around the city. Organizers said the festival is intended to create opportunities for filmmakers, tourists, businesses and creative professionals to exchange ideas, build networks and develop new partnerships while strengthening Pattaya’s position within Thailand’s creative economy.
