THE HOST CITY: BANGKOK
Wat Arun (Photo: Ed-Rhodes/Robert Harding Premium/robertharding via AFP)
Renowned as one of Asia’s leading global cities, Bangkok is an enchanting metropolis that brims with rich heritage and modern sophistication.
Sitting in the heart of Thailand, the vibrant capital is home to iconic temples, bustling waterways and stunning skylines that are complemented with a thriving culinary scene and world-class hospitality.
King Power Mahanakhon (Photo: Amaury Paul/AFP)
An established destination for major global sporting events in recent years, the City of Angels provides a splendid setting for the 30th edition of the most prestigious night on the Asian Football Confederation calendar.
The AFC Awards Bangkok 2026 marks the return of the showpiece occasion to this dynamic city, which hosted the 2017 iteration, and further underlines Thailand’s enduring passion for football as well as a hub where creativity and sporting excellence converge.
Aksra Theatre King Power (Photo courtesy of FA Thailand)
Fittingly, the Aksra Theatre King Power will once again serve as the backdrop for the glittering gala when Asia’s finest descends in Bangkok on November 19.
Home to the internationally acclaimed Aksra Hoon Lakorn Lek i.e. the Aksra Thai Puppet Show, the 500-seater venue is located within the King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex and adjacent to the Pullman Bangkok King Power hotel, which will host the pre-event reception of the AFC Awards.
Exterior of the Aksra Theatre King Power
Completed in 2007 after three years of construction, the theatre’s design blends Baroque European architecture with intricate Thai heritage elements. Two giant statues of performance art adorn the entrance, which lead into a grand space that features a trio of Thai traditional marionettes, ornamental ceiling beams and walls with exquisite motifs.
Reminiscent of a royal throne hall, the main arena is laid out in a unique horseshoe shape that results in an intimate environment for the audience – making it the perfect stage to fete the Continent’s very best.