Thai content companies secure THB 140 million in trade deals at Philippine mission, eye vertical content boom
Eighteen leading Thai film, television, and content companies achieved THB 4 million in immediate business and identified an additional THB 136 million in projected trade at THAI CONTENT IN THE PHILIPPINES 2026, a trade mission held in Manila from August 26–28, 2026. Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, the initiative sought to deepen partnerships between Thai and Philippine entertainment industries.
The trade mission yielded 152 business meetings between Thai companies and Philippine producers, distributors, and digital platforms—averaging eight meetings per company. Of the total projected business, THB 50 million is expected to materialize within one year and THB 86 million over the following two to five years, bringing the overall value of the mission to THB 140 million (approximately PHP 263 million or USD 4.2 million).
A key takeaway from the event was the surge in demand for vertical content, with several Philippine platforms expressing strong interest in the format. This trend reflects the rapid shift toward mobile consumption in the Philippine market and signals new opportunities for Thai producers to develop content tailored specifically for mobile viewing.
Beyond traditional licensing, Philippine buyers explored co-investment, co-production, remake rights, talent sourcing, fan meetings, and joint marketing arrangements. These collaborative models signal a shift toward deeper production partnerships, positioning Thai companies not just as licensors, but as creative partners in new projects for the region.
The three-day mission included company visits and a Networking Dinner Talk, which facilitated connections with Philippine buyers, media, artists, and content creators. The event was organized in partnership with Hello Sunrise Productions as the local facilitator.
Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of DITP, highlighted the dual value of the mission: “The trade value is a clear outcome, but equally significant is what our companies have learned about the market—the formats Philippine buyers require, and the business models they are prepared to enter into. The interest in vertical content is instructive. It is a format Thai producers are well equipped to supply, and the demand exists now.”
She added, “This is the value of direct engagement: the opportunity was presented to our companies in person, not identified through a market report. Thai content has the quality and the range to compete anywhere in this region. The Department’s role is to ensure that buyers and producers meet.”
DITP continues to support Thai businesses entering international markets through trade missions, business matching, and market development activities, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of Thailand’s creative industries on a global scale.
As mobile consumption and new partnership models drive change, both Thai and Philippine content industries stand to benefit from deeper collaboration and the growing appetite for innovative formats.