Traffic and payment snags notwithstanding, the inaugural EDC Thailand thrilled with dazzling production and unforgettable DJ sets.
In recent years, Thailand has emerged as a hotspot for electronic dance music, with a growing number of EDM artists making waves in the region. Adding to this phenomenon, a new wave of beach clubs dedicated to the genre has redefined the country as a top destination for ravers.
So when Insomniac officially announced that the debut of EDC Thailand was set to take place in Phuket, I knew I had to be there. The inaugural edition took place on January 17-19 at Boat Avenue Lakefront in Phuket, marking a new milestone for both the festival brand and the nation’s vibrant music scene.
The first day of the event was nothing short of exhilarating. Upon arriving at the venue, I took some time to get familiarized with the space and soaked in the vibrant festival atmosphere.
The excitement in the air was palpable, and the energy was electric. As I looked around, many attendees were buzzing with enthusiasm as smiles and laughter filled the air. As powerful beats reverberated through the festival grounds, there was a sense that everyone was ready to be part of an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the music, EDC Thailand brought the local culinary flavor to festival goers.
As I entered the venue, one of the first things that caught my attention was the vast array of food stalls that lined the space. From the rich flavors of local specialties like pad thai, mango sticky rice, and stir-fried noodles to the savory comfort of international options like quesadillas and tacos, there was something for everyone.
Venturing further into the venue, I discovered even more rows of food stalls with a variety of menu options to satisfy every craving. It was heartening to see the strong emphasis that EDC Thailand placed on its culinary offerings, using food to showcase the diversity and richness of the local culture.
Many attendees were enjoying a snack while lounging in the spacious seating areas nearby. It was clear that the food options not only offered a treat to the taste buds, but represented a meaningful connection to the tradition and spirit of the celebration.
Where art meets music: EDC Thailand’s iconic stage designs were a feast for the eyes.
In addition to the delightful food options, another highlight of EDC Thailand was undoubtedly the breathtaking stage designs. The kineticFIELD mainstage’s aesthetic was a striking embodiment of spiritual awakening.
The towering statue, closely resembling the Greek goddess Gaia, stood majestically overhead and exuded a powerful presence. Her figure seemed to radiate a sense of deep enlightenment as her face and hands moved in harmony with the dynamic rhythms blasting out of the speakers.
As I enjoyed DJ sets from Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Skrillex, The Chainsmokers, and others, I couldn’t help but feel the timeless energy of the stage. It seemed both ancient and futuristic at the same time. The crowd who gathered and danced their hearts out seemed to be part of something bigger as they immersed themselves in the shared experience and celebrated the magic in the moment.
The fusion of technology and cutting-edge lighting made the venue feel like a carefully crafted ecosystem. Swirling vines wrapped the bionicJUNGLE while an intense symphony of lights and strobes filled the the circuitGROUNDS and stereoBLOOM stages. Each artist who performed made the venue feel like an immersive spectacle amplified by the powerful bass and melodies.
International artists and cultural diversity shone in the most memorable sets.
Personally, one of my favorite highlights of the festival was witnessing artists from all over the world showcase their unique sounds. Across the five stages, there was an impressive range of international talents who brought a rich cultural diversity to the lineup. From Ryu and BOTCASH to Indo Warehouse, Dabin, and more, each artist showcased distinctive music that felt fresh while deeply rooted in their culture.
What made these performances so unique was the way these artists genuinely appreciated being part of the inaugural edition of EDC Thailand and used their platform to share their cultural narratives. It felt incredible to be part of the crowd that danced to the different rhythms of a global celebration.
The audience responded with sheer excitement, many waving flags that represented these artists’ nations of origin. It created a powerful sense of unity and served as a reminder that music brings everyone together.
Traffic delays and challenges with cashless payment were major inconveniences at the festival.
EDC Thailand was billed as a “cashless event” with multiple digital payment options. However, the promise of a seamless experience was hampered as a large number of vendors only accepted cash payments.
While the top-up station accepted card payments, they were restricted to the purchase of beverages and merchandise. This created confusion and inconvenience for festival-goers who didn’t bring cash. The lack of uniformity in payment options added a certain level of frustration, especially among those who are looking to grab some snacks or simply support local food vendors.
Another area in which the festival could improve is the logistics surrounding the entrance and exit of the festival. Boat Avenue Lakefront was a spacious venue with plenty of room for the attendees to roam around, but leaving made for one of the major headaches faced by the attendees.
With no proper dropoff or pickup zones for ride shares, the area quickly became overwhelmed by an influx of cars and motorbikes at the end of the event. Confused attendees scrambled to locate their drivers amid the crowd.
With the sheer volume of vehicles and limited access points, the bottleneck led to a long line of traffic across all three days, further adding to long wait times and overcrowding stress. EDC Thailand could enhance the festival experience by improving its transport infrastructure to better accommodate the obvious popularity of the event.
EDC Thailand marked a milestone for the country’s rapidly growing scene.
Looking back, it was remarkable to see how much Thailand has evolved in the electronic music space. Not too long ago, dance and electronic music were still considered a niche interest by many in the region.
Being able to experience the inaugural edition of EDC Thailand felt like the closing of a chapter and the grand opening of another. I’ve attended many festivals and EDM concerts around the world, but this one felt different. It hit close to home, like I was part of a bigger milestone in the making. With the future of electronic music looking bright in Asia, I’m already looking forward to the next edition of EDC Thailand.
