Thailand looks to the skies as first UFO Festival lands in February

Thailand’s first-ever UFO Festival is set to make contact this February in Nakhon Nayok, around a two-hour drive from Bangkok.

Taking place at Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam (the country’s longest compact concrete dam), the sci-fi-leaning event introduces a new kind of gathering to Thailand’s tourism calendar, aimed to attract those intrigued by the universal mystery of UFOs and aliens.

The venue choice is more than scenic coincidence. Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam is a significant national landmark, known for its sheer scale and brutalist design, and provides a grounded (if slightly ironic) setting for a festival focused on unexplained aerial phenomena.

Its proximity to Khao Kala, often dubbed the “Area 51 of Asia”, further anchors the event in a location already familiar to UFO enthusiasts.

Khao Kala previously hosted Belief Fest in 2024; Thailand’s first-ever UFO music festival. Attended by around 1,000 people, its aim was to “raise awareness of the extraterrestrial activity believed to be happening in Khao Kala”.

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According to Bangkok Post, the UFO Festival forms part of a broader strategy by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to diversify tourism experiences and boost international arrivals by at least 10% in 2026.

The festival sits alongside other initiatives, including the “Amazing Thailand” Ambassador campaign featuring Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal of Blackpink, plus an international marketing theme titled “Healing is the New Luxury”, which encompasses efforts such as revitalising nightlife economy and walking streets, plus expanding halal tourism.

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“In 2026, Thailand must win back tourists by rebuilding trust via safety measures and memorable experiences,” said TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

TAT is also targeting a 7% increase in revenue for 2026 through these measures, aiming to grow from THB 2.6 trillion to THB 2.78 trillion.

While details of the UFO Festival remain under wraps, it represents an alternative to Thailand’s usual tourism offerings, which TAT hopes will reach new audiences and generate additional income to help meet its revenue goals.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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