Pattaya Gears Up for International Film Festival 2026 to Boost UNESCO Creative City Bid

PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City is stepping up preparations for the Pattaya International Film Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from August 22 to 30. This initiative is a key component of the city's ambition to be recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. On August 7, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet chaired a meeting with city executives, officials, the mayor’s secretariat, and representatives from relevant agencies to coordinate preparations for the nine-day festival. The festival aims to raise public awareness and encourage participation from local communities, young people, industry partners, and members of the film sector. Organizers stated that the festival is designed to align Pattaya's film activities with the principles and requirements of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. By leveraging cinema, the city seeks to enhance its international image and tourism appeal, positioning itself as a vibrant hub for film-related activities and development. The preparations discussed at the meeting encompassed the festival's concept and program, publicity, venue decoration and facilities, traffic management, security, and cleanliness. The city anticipates that the festival will serve as a platform to showcase Pattaya's creative economy potential and solidify its standing as an international tourism and film destination. The Pattaya International Film Festival 2026 is part of Pattaya’s broader effort to develop its creative industries and pursue recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. Film screening locations and showtimes will be announced by the organizers in due course.