The annual Chieng Nuea Fest – held at Khon Kaen in Thailand’s northeast region – succcessfully concluded its third edition on 1 February, bringing together 26 artistes and thousands of fan for a night of fun and great music.
More importantly, the event has brought additional economic value to Khon Kaen and the Isaan region, to the tune of around 400 million THB, according to Thai tourism authorities.
The authorities note the “positive effects” from the Chieng Nuea festival for Khon Kaen and the wider Isan region. This includes boosting demand for travel from other parts of the country to the region, accommodation, and shopping.
Khon Kaen’s Chamber of Commerce worked with Chieng Nuea organiser GMM Show in the months leading up to the festival, helping to coordinate with local businesses, to allow them to showcase at the one-day festival.
The festival makes sure to tap into local business and Isan talent for the most part: for example, students from Khon Kaen Wittayayon School performed a flag show at the festival’s opening.
This year’s Chieng Nuea music festival is spread across three stages: North stage features acts like Pun, Three Man Down, TaitosmitH, as well as Jeff Satur and Bodyslam.
The Friendship stage was designed in collaboration with students from the Isan region, making sure to showcase their culture and traditions through art. The stage features T-Pop acts like 4EVE and Violette Wautier, as well as other rock/pop-rock names like Only Monday, The Parkinson and Lomosonic.
The Slanted stage features acts like Fellow Fellow, Mirrr, Purpeech, and ends off with the iconic E-San dance megamix, led by DJ Farmer Rocket.
Organisers have promised a fourth edition in the works for 2026, so perhaps it’s time to make that trip to the northeast!
