The first Thai citizen is heading to space as part of a deal announced today for Banijay Asia homegrown format, "Race to Space". 

The Thai version of the ambitious production, created by Banijay Asia out of India and international agency SERA (Space Exploration & Research Agency), is a partnership between the newly re-branded TrueVisions NOW and Southeast Asian production label, CreAsia Studio. 

An Indian version of the space travel show is also in development, giving the format its first two markets.  

Deepak Dhar, founder & group CEO, Banijay Asia, Endemol Shine India and CreAsia Studio, said from Bangkok this afternoon that the format was “not just a show – it is a movement that democratises space travel and inspires millions to dream big”. 

"Race to Space Thailand" is being developed under Ongard Prapakamol, head of True Corporation’s TrueVisions and Media, which needs some wins against fierce competition from re-energised rival, AIS, and a declining TV subscriber base. At the end of June, TrueVisions had 1.1 million pay-TV subscribers – a 12% drop from the same time in 2024. 

In May, TrueVisions ushered in an entertainment era the Bangkok-based company called “new”, patting itself on the back for being “bold”, and describing itself as the “King of Sports” (which is a stretch because, although it sealed the beIN renewal, it lost Premier League rights for the next six seasons to Jasmine International, which will offer the football with Mono Next/AIS Play). 

The "Race to Space" deal looks like it is part of TrueVisions bid at regaining some of its fading/lost leadership narrative, which also includes the return of 2004 reality show Academy Fantasia, reheated for a new generation.