Thai box office hit ‘Gohan’ secures China release as international expansion continues

Thai hit Gohan is set to open in mainland China later this month, adding another major market to its growing international rollout after strong performances in Thailand and Vietnam.

Thai drama Gohan will continue its international expansion with a theatrical release in mainland China on June 26, marking another milestone for the film following its success across Southeast Asia, as per Deadline.

Produced by Bangkok-based studio GDH 559, the emotional drama has become one of Thailand's notable local hits of 2026 and is now preparing to test its appeal in one of the world's largest film markets. Chinese distributor Road Pictures will oversee the local release.

The film follows the life of a white stray dog as it passes through different owners over several stages of its life, telling an emotional story about companionship, loyalty and human connection.

International Momentum Continues

Gohan was released in Thailand during the Songkran holiday period and went on to surpass the THB100 million ($3 million) box-office milestone.

The film also proved popular in Vietnam, where it topped the local box office following its release in May.

Ahead of this year's Cannes Film Festival, GDH 559 revealed that the film had been sold to more than 40 territories worldwide, underlining growing international demand for Thai-produced content.

The studio has built a reputation for creating films that travel successfully beyond Thailand's borders. Previous productions include How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies and Bad Genius, both of which found strong audiences internationally and achieved notable success in China.

Cast And Filmmakers Heading To China

To support the Chinese launch, co-director Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya will travel to the country alongside cast members Jinjett Wattanasin and Tontawan Tantivejakul.

The team is scheduled to attend a Beijing premiere on June 18 before participating in a special screening at the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 19.

Industry observers view the promotional tour as an important part of introducing the film to Chinese audiences ahead of its nationwide release.

China's Summer Box Office Is Becoming Increasingly Competitive

Gohan enters the Chinese market during a crowded summer release schedule that features both local productions and major Hollywood titles.

Among the international releases arriving in Chinese cinemas are Toy Story 5, Supergirl, Minions & Monsters and Moana, all expected to attract significant audience attention.

Domestic productions are also competing for box-office share. Martial arts action film The Furious, starring Xie Miao and Joe Taslim, recently opened and has been performing strongly. Animated features Three Kingdoms: The Beginning and All Wishes Come True! are also set to arrive later in the summer.

Meanwhile, romantic drama Dear You continues to dominate the market, earning approximately RMB1.67 billion ($247 million) and becoming one of China's biggest releases of the year.

Distributor Has Track Record With International Hits

Road Pictures has previously handled several successful international releases in China.

The company distributed the acclaimed Lebanese drama Capernaum, which generated more than $50 million at the Chinese box office, as well as Oscar-winning French film Anatomy of a Fall, which became one of the country's highest-grossing European releases during its theatrical run.

That experience could prove valuable as Gohan seeks to replicate the success enjoyed by other Asian dramas that have connected with Chinese moviegoers.

Thai Cinema's Global Reach Continues To Grow

The upcoming China release represents another significant step for Thai cinema's growing international presence.

With strong performances already recorded in Thailand and Vietnam, and distribution secured across dozens of territories, Gohan has emerged as one of the country's most prominent exports of the year.

Its arrival in China will offer the clearest indication yet of whether the film's emotional story can resonate with audiences on an even larger global scale.