World of Coffee Heads to Bangkok in 2026: Asia’s Premier Coffee Event Expands to Thailand

The global coffee industry is gearing up for an exciting milestone as the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) officially announced that Bangkok, Thailand will host the third edition of World of Coffee Asia from May 7–9, 2026. The announcement was made during a formal signing ceremony at World of Coffee Jakarta 2025, with the participation of Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, Danny Shin, CEO of Exporum Inc., and Meechai Amornpathanakul, Chairman of the Barista Association of Thailand (BAT).

Following the inaugural Asian edition in Busan, South Korea (2024) and this year’s successful event in Jakarta, Indonesia (2025), the decision to host World of Coffee Asia 2026 in Bangkok reflects the region’s rising influence in the specialty coffee industry and the increasing global demand for engagement across Asian coffee markets.

A Strategic Move for Global Coffee Expansion

The upcoming World of Coffee Bangkok 2026 will take place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious and modern event venues. The event is expected to attract thousands of stakeholders from across the specialty coffee value chain — including farmers, producers, exporters, importers, roasters, equipment manufacturers, baristas, and café owners.

“Thailand’s specialty coffee community has grown in remarkable ways over the past decade,” said Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA. “Bringing World of Coffee to Bangkok is part of our ongoing mission to support sustainable, inclusive trade and education across the global coffee sector. With Thailand’s deep-rooted coffee culture and Bangkok’s accessibility as a regional hub, we’re proud to offer an event that reflects both heritage and innovation.”

Thailand’s Specialty Coffee Industry in the Global Spotlight

Thailand has emerged as a dual force in the global coffee landscape — both as a producing origin and as a vibrant consumer market. Highland regions such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Nan are now internationally recognized for producing high-quality Arabica beans, while southern provinces like Chumphon are key in Robusta cultivation.

At the same time, Thailand’s domestic coffee scene has undergone a transformation. Bangkok, the country’s capital, is now home to a booming café culture, hosting hundreds of specialty coffee shops, micro-roasters, and barista training academies. The rise of local competitions, investment in education, and focus on traceability and quality have all contributed to Thailand’s increasing global recognition in specialty coffee circles.

“Each edition of World of Coffee Asia brings new momentum to the region,” said Danny Shin, CEO of Exporum Inc. “Bangkok is the perfect next chapter — a city with deep cultural roots, a progressive café scene, and a growing role in global coffee conversations. We are thrilled to work alongside SCA and BAT to deliver an event that both honors tradition and drives the future of coffee in Asia.”

Organized Collaboration and Local Empowerment

The Barista Association of Thailand (BAT) will serve as the local host and strategic partner, ensuring that the event highlights the richness of Thailand’s coffee identity and provides meaningful opportunities for local professionals and smallholder producers.

“Our goal is to bring the Thai coffee community into the global spotlight,” said Meechai Amornpathanakul, Chairman of BAT. “This is a chance for Thai baristas, farmers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and coffees to an international audience. It’s also a chance for the world to discover the unique stories and flavors that define Thai coffee.”

What to Expect at World of Coffee Bangkok 2026

Attendees of World of Coffee Bangkok can expect a full program of exhibitions, workshops, and industry engagement. Key features include:

• A large-scale international trade show featuring top coffee brands, roasters, importers, green coffee traders, and equipment manufacturers.

• Cupping sessions and tasting rooms spotlighting coffees from Thailand, Southeast Asia, and around the world.

• Educational workshops, lectures, and panel discussions hosted by global experts, covering topics from brewing science to sustainability and digital innovation.

• Coffee competitions including latte art showcases, brewing contests, and barista championships.

• Networking opportunities and business matchmaking for local producers and international buyers.

The event is designed to cater to both trade professionals and passionate consumers, bridging the gap between origin, market, and innovation.

A Milestone for Coffee in Southeast Asia

World of Coffee Bangkok 2026 marks a significant moment for Southeast Asia’s coffee landscape. It underscores the growing recognition of Asian coffee producers, the evolution of consumer markets across the region, and the shared commitment to sustainability, quality, and collaboration.

Registration details for exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees will be released in the coming months. As preparations begin, industry leaders from around the world are encouraged to mark their calendars and explore opportunities to participate in one of the most dynamic coffee events of the decade.

Discover why Bangkok is the next global destination for specialty coffee — join the journey at World of Coffee 2026.