UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP MAKES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN TOP THAI LABEL ‘WHAT THE DUCK’

Founder Moy Samkwan Tonsompong will join Universal Music Thailand as Managing Director, while
remaining closely involved with “What the Duck” on the next phase of its development
Partnership will help bring Thai music to fans around the world

L-R: Adam Granite, Moy Samkwan Tonsompong, Chichaya Karnasuta, Torpong Chantabubpha, Calvin Wong

Bangkok, March 16, 2026 – Universal Music Group (“UMG”) the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced today a strategic investment in What the Duck (“WTD”), a leading Thai music label.

WTD visionary and founder Moy Samkwan Tonsompong will become Managing Director of Universal Music Thailand, while remaining closely involved with WTD to oversee the label’s continued development and growth. Co-founders Chichaya Karnasuta and Torpong Chantabubpha will remain key members of the WTD team.

Founded in 2014, WTD has quickly grown to become one of Thailand’s creative powerhouses, representing some of the country’s leading artists (such as The TOYS, Bowkylion, Musketeers, and Whal & Dolph), as well as a wave of new talent (such as Landokmai, Purpeech, and Mirrr).

This agreement represents yet another successful example of UMG’s strategy to expand its presence in high-potential growth markets, and builds upon its June 2023 acquisition of RS Group’s catalogue.

Alongside UMG’s meaningful investment in the label, the move also strengthens UMG’s leadership and A&R teams in the region.

Thailand is a dynamic and fast-evolving market, with a young and growing population and increasing rates of digital adoption. Digital streaming revenues grew rapidly throughout 2024, with revenues from subscription streaming alone growing 13.1%. Thailand’s overall recorded music market grew by 12.9% in 2024 to annual revenues of more than $100 million, according to the IFPI.

Adam Granite, UMG’s CEO for Africa, Middle East and Asia, said: “This is an exciting next step in our strategy to expand our presence in fast-growing markets. I am delighted to ‘unite’ the WTD and UMG families and look forward to working closely with Moy and the team delivering success in Thailand and beyond.”

Moy Samkwan Tonsompong, founder of WTD, commented: “We’re thrilled to be joining the team at UMG. We believe this will only serve to create more opportunities for Thai music both at home and globally, while also strengthening our offer to artists. I’m committed to staying closely involved with the WTD team – ensuring this partnership drives global success for our artists and brings the creative force that is Thai music to more audiences than ever before.”

Calvin Wong, CEO, Southeast Asia and Korea, UMG, said, “We’re delighted to be joining forces with WTD. In a short space of time, Moy and his team have built an incredibly strong offer for artists and curated a roster of exceptional talent. I’m eager to start working with them on the next phase of their journey and look forward to seeing their artists flourish both within and outside Thailand.”

About Universal Music Group

At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audio-visual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms, and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com.